Illustration of a person securing their data on a phone, emphasizing Tinder data privacy.

What Data Does Tinder Have on You?

June 6, 2024 / News & Updates / By / 4 minutes of reading

Introduction

In today’s digital age, maintaining your online privacy is more important than ever. With the advent of GDPR rules, individuals can now request the data that companies have collected and stored about them. Dating apps like Tinder collect a substantial amount of personal data, and understanding what data they have and how to access it is crucial for your privacy.

Why Now?

The GDPR rules have now made it possible to request any data a company has collected and stored about you. This includes data you voluntarily provided. While it’s relatively easy to access data from giants like Google and Facebook, dating apps like Tinder pose a more significant challenge. Understanding what data Tinder collects and stores on you is essential, and learning how to request it can help you protect your privacy.

The Sheer Amount of Data That Tinder Collects and Stores

Graphic showcasing the extensive amount of data Tinder collects from users.
Tinder collects extensive user data, including interactions, locations, and preferences.

In a 2017 Guardian article, Judith Duportail used GDPR provisions to request her data from Tinder, receiving 800 pages of intimate information. With over 50 million users, Tinder collects data on your interactions, locations, preferences, and linked social media accounts. This data is invaluable for companies but can be a privacy concern for users.

User Data That Tinder Collects Officially

Infographic detailing the official user data Tinder collects.
Tinder officially collects personally identifiable data, usage data, and more.

When you request your data from Tinder, you’ll typically receive:

  • Personally identifiable data: Full name, phone number, email address, IP address.
  • Smartphone platform: iOS or Android, and the app version.
  • User information: Bio, birthday, last active time, search preferences.
  • Messages: All sent and received messages.
  • Photos: Uploaded pictures in a compressed format.
  • Places feature: Locations visited using the app.
  • Purchase information: Date, platform, location, and type of purchase (Gold, Plus, or Consumables).
  • Linked accounts: Spotify and Instagram.
  • Usage data: Frequency and timing of app use, swipes, messages, and matches.

User Data Tinder Unofficially Collects and Stores

Beyond the officially provided data, Tinder likely collects additional information, such as:

  • Snapchat and Instagram accounts
  • ELO score data: Used by Tinder’s algorithm to calculate personal and match scores.
  • Other undisclosed data: Various data points not officially acknowledged.

How You Can Request Your Personal Data from Tinder

Steps to request personal data from Tinder illustrated.
Steps to request your personal data from Tinder.

To request your data, visit Tinder’s Data Request Page. The process involves:

  1. Logging into your account.
  2. Submitting your email address.
  3. Waiting for the email with your download link (can take up to 4 days).
  4. Downloading and viewing your data.

Important Tips Before Requesting Your Data

  1. Email Arrival Time: The download link email may take up to 4 days to arrive.
  2. Link Expiry: The download link is valid for only 24 hours. If missed, you need to request again.

Step-by-Step Process to Request Your Data

  1. Log into your account and go to Tinder’s Data Request Page.
  2. Enter your email address (preferably the one used to register).
  3. Wait for the email and click the download link.
  4. Use a JSON editor or open the HTML file to view your data.

Conclusion

Accessing your data on Tinder reveals the extent of information the app collects. In this digital age, ensuring the privacy of your data is crucial. Be mindful of the information you share on Tinder and other online platforms to protect your privacy.

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