WASHINGTON, D.C. — Millions of OkCupid users may have had their personal data shared without consent, according to federal regulators who have taken legal action against the dating app and its parent company over alleged privacy violations.
What This Means for You
- Your personal data may have been shared despite company privacy promises
- Companies can face federal action for misleading users about data use
- A proposed settlement would restrict how OkCupid and its parent describe privacy practices
The Federal Trade Commission alleges that OkCupid and Match Group Americas misled users by sharing personal information—including photos and location data—with a third party that was not disclosed in the company’s privacy policy.
The agency filed a complaint in federal court and announced a proposed settlement that would prohibit the companies from misrepresenting how they collect, use, or share consumer data.
Allegations of Unauthorized Data Sharing
According to the FTC, OkCupid provided a third party with access to nearly three million user photos along with associated data such as geolocation information.
Regulators said the third party was not a service provider, business partner, or affiliated company—categories typically disclosed in privacy policies—and users were not notified or given an opportunity to opt out.
The FTC further alleges the data sharing occurred because OkCupid’s founders had financial investments in the third party.
Privacy Promises at Issue
At the time, OkCupid told users it would not share personal information outside of specific circumstances outlined in its privacy policy or without notifying users and offering an opt-out.
Despite those assurances, the FTC claims the company shared data without meeting those conditions.
“The FTC enforces the privacy promises that companies make,” said Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We will investigate, and where appropriate, take action against companies that promise to safeguard your data but fail to follow through.”
Alleged Efforts to Conceal Activity
The complaint also alleges that OkCupid and Match took steps to conceal the data sharing, including denying involvement when reports surfaced that a third party had obtained large datasets from the platform.
Regulators said the companies attempted to obstruct aspects of the FTC’s investigation, which led to enforcement of a Civil Investigative Demand—a legal order requiring companies to provide information during an investigation.
Terms of the Proposed Settlement
Under the proposed agreement, the companies would be permanently barred from misrepresenting:
- How they collect, use, share, or protect personal data
- The purpose for collecting or disclosing user information
- The effectiveness of privacy controls offered to users
The order would carry the force of law if approved by a federal judge.
Next Steps
The FTC voted 2-0 to file the complaint and proposed settlement, which was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
If approved, the settlement would impose ongoing legal obligations on the companies and could lead to further penalties if violations occur.
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