FTC Does Not Fine OkCupid for Sharing Millions of Users’ Personal Data

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against OkCupid and Match Group Americas, following OkCupid’s alleged sharing of user data. However, the agency isn’t imposing fines on the dating app. The FTC alleges that OkCupid disclosed personal information of nearly 3 million users, including photos and locations, to an unauthorized third party, AI company Clarifai. In September 2014, Clarifai sought large datasets of OkCupid photos from Humor Rainbow, OkCupid’s former owner and current Match Group Inc. subsidiary, despite lacking a business relationship. OkCupid founders were financial investors in Clarifai. Humor Rainbow provided Clarifai with access to not just photos, but also users’ demographic and location information, violating OkCupid’s Privacy Policy. This policy stated that the app wouldn’t share personal details with parties not listed in their policy or without informing users and offering the chance to opt out. The FTC also accused OkCupid and Match of concealing these actions since Sept. 2014, including attempts to obstruct the FTC investigation. Christopher Mufarrige, FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director, emphasized the FTC’s stance on enforcing privacy promises companies make. The FTC enforced its Civil Investigative Demand in federal court, requiring OkCupid to disclose requested information. The proposed settlement, filed recently, permanently bans OkCupid, Match Group Americas, and Humor Rainbow from misrepresenting their handling of user data, maintaining this order for 20 years. No financial settlement was mentioned.