Bumble Revises Privacy Policy After Mozilla Petition

In an industry-first move, Mozilla – the company behind platforms such as the Firefox web browser and connected to the non-profit tech organization Mozilla Foundation – has called for dating apps to prioritize data privacy, focusing specifically on Bumble. Following a Mozilla report revealing that 22 out of 25 dating apps fail to safeguard users’ data, the organization launched a public campaign urging Bumble to adopt more transparent data practices.

Mozilla’s petition, supported by eleven advocacy groups, requested that Bumble implement an opt-in policy for data sharing with third parties and disclose specifics on any data sold or shared. Mozilla’s stance is partly due to Bumble’s brand as a proponent of gender justice, and they argue that data privacy is integral to this mission. Mozilla’s U.S. Advocacy Lead, Reem Suleiman, pointed out the risks associated with sensitive information on dating apps, especially for women and LGBTQ+ users.

In response to Mozilla’s campaign, Bumble revised its privacy policy on October 3, making it more accessible and clarifying data-use terms – meaning that it’s much easier to read through comfortably. However, Mozilla noted that Bumble has yet to implement opt-in data sharing by default. Bumble, meanwhile, has maintained that it does not sell sensitive personal data, including health, location, or sexual orientation, and emphasizes privacy as a core part of its commitment to equality in dating.