On a scale of one to nine, you’re a Ten-der
If Elvis was still alive, do you think he’d make it “Love Me Tinder”?
If you come over later, we can hinge-watch our favorite show
Are you a charcuterie board? Because I like *apps* before my meals.
Is your cellphone flammable because it must be full of matches.
You may have heard or used a few of these clever puns while using your dating app but your online privacy is not a joke. Per PewResearch, many users cite that data security is one of their biggest concerns with online dating with roughly six in ten online daters saying they are concerned about data collection.
As the popularity of online dating has surged, so have privacy concerns. Online dating has become increasingly popular over the last decade, with more and more people turning to apps and websites to meet potential partners. In fact, over 366 million dating service users choose online dating as their service of choice in 2022, making it by far the most popular type of dating service worldwide. However, many users cite that data security is one of their biggest concerns when it comes to online dating. With the amount of personal information shared through these sites, users are rightfully concerned about how secure their data is and who may have access to it. In this blog post we will explore some of the privacy considerations all online daters should consider before getting involved in an online relationship.
A dating app may have a variety of personal identifiable information (PII) such as the user’s name, age, gender, location, preferences for potential partners and even financial data. The app may also store other sensitive data such as photos, conversations between users and private messages. In some cases, the app may require additional information such as Social Security numbers or ID documents in order to verify users. All this information is subject to privacy laws and needs to be handled with caution by the online dating platform. In addition, most apps have in-app purchases, access to your camera and are allowed to have excessive permissions. Our team at Quokka found this to be understandable, however, still worth noting and want to remind users to revoke these permissions once you are no longer using the app, which you can easily do with Q-scout.
The key to building trust and providing a safe online dating experience lies in the security protocols put in place by online dating websites and applications. Online daters need assurance that their data is being kept secure, so it’s essential for these sites to have robust systems in place to safeguard user information. It’s also important for them to be able to talk openly about these processes publicly, so users can understand what measures are being taken on their behalf. By investing in strong data protection measures, online dating sites will not only demonstrate their commitment to protecting users’ data but will also ensure that they remain compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
If you are looking for love online, there are a few things you can lookout for to put your mind at ease. So, when considering online dating apps, here are a few data privacy concerns to consider:
- Who has access to their personal information and other sensitive data?
- How secure are the systems used by the app to protect user data?
- Are there measures in place to prevent users’ identities and/or financial information from being stolen or misused?
- Is the online platform compliant with applicable laws and regulations regarding data protection?
- Are there any additional safeguards that they can put in place themselves (such as setting up two-factor authentication)?
With the increasing competition in the online dating space, it’s becoming more important to ensure data is kept secure and private. Quokka provides automated mobile app security testing with Q-mast and can help ensure that your app is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations regarding data protection. Contact us today.
For additional resources on online dating app safety tips visit: https://helpingsurvivors.org/online-dating-app-safety-tips/
