OkCupid Resolves Allegations of Sharing User Photos with Facial Recognition Firm

The dating app OkCupid has settled with the Federal Trade Commission over claims it misled users by sharing their photos with a facial recognition company without consent. OkCupid and its parent company, Match Group, have not admitted to any wrongdoing but have agreed to refrain from giving false impressions about their policies in the future. The FTC alleges that in 2014, OkCupid provided the facial recognition company Clarifai access to around three million user photos, along with demographic and location data, violating its own privacy policy by not offering users an option to opt out. The companies attempted to conceal their connection with Clarifai when questioned by The New York Times, according to the FTC. The settlement, which imposes no penalties on OkCupid or Match, requires them to avoid misrepresenting data collection practices going forward and to undergo compliance monitoring. If violated, this could lead to further action. The FTC stated its commitment to enforcing privacy promises made by companies. OkCupid, Match, and Clarifai have not yet commented.