⚠ Data Sensitivity Tier 2: Dating App Data
Dating app data requires heightened privacy protections - it includes sexual orientation, intimate preferences, precise location, private messages, and behavioral patterns. Hinge is part of Match Group (45+ dating businesses including Tinder, OkCupid, Match.com). This review focuses exclusively on documented policy language with exact citations.
🏢 Match Group Ownership Structure
Hinge is owned by Match Group (45+ dating platforms). The Data Controller for EEA/UK users is MTCH Technology Services Limited (Dublin, Ireland). For US users: Hinge, Inc. (Dallas, Texas). Data practices involve sharing across Match Group's entire portfolio as documented below.
📊 Data Collection Scope
Profile and Personal Data
Hinge collects detailed profile information when you create and use your account:
Sensitive Personal Information
Hinge explicitly acknowledges collecting highly sensitive data categories:
Usage and Activity Data
Hinge tracks detailed information about how you use the service:
Device and Technical Data
Hinge collects extensive technical data from your devices:
Precise Geolocation Data
Hinge collects your precise location coordinates with permission:
Biometric Data (Selfie Verification)
Hinge collects face geometry data through its verification feature:
👥 Third-Party Sharing
Match Group Affiliate Sharing
Hinge shares your data with other Match Group companies, including for identifying users across platforms:
Service Providers
Hinge shares data with numerous third-party vendors:
Advertising Partners
Hinge shares data with advertisers and allows them to collect data directly:
Law Enforcement Disclosure
Hinge may disclose your data to government and law enforcement:
Cross-Platform Bans
According to Hinge's Terms of Service, data sharing enables bans across all Match Group platforms:
🕐 Data Retention
Post-Deletion Safety Window
Hinge retains your data for months or years after you delete your account:
10-Year Financial Data Retention
Transaction data is kept for a decade after account deletion:
Biometric Data Retention
Face data from Selfie Verification is deleted within 30 days after account closure:
☑ User Control and Rights
Access Your Data
Users can access and download their personal data:
Delete Your Data
Users can request data deletion through account closure:
Correct Your Data
Users can update and rectify their information:
Opt-Out of Targeted Advertising
Users can opt out of certain data sharing practices:
🌎 GDPR/CCPA Compliance
Data Controller (EEA/UK/Switzerland)
For European users, the data controller is a Match Group entity in Ireland:
Data Controller (Outside EEA)
For users outside Europe, the data controller is based in the United States:
Legal Basis for Processing
Hinge cites multiple legal bases for processing data under GDPR:
Right to Lodge Complaints
European users have the right to complain to data protection authorities:
California Privacy Statement
California residents have additional rights under CCPA:
US State Privacy Rights
US users may have rights related to targeted advertising and data sales:
Cross-Border Data Transfers
Data may be transferred outside the EEA using standard contractual clauses:
🔒 Security and Automated Processing
Automated Decision-Making
Hinge uses profiling and automated decision-making:
Content Analysis
According to the Terms of Service, Hinge may analyze your messages and content using machine learning:
⚖ Dispute Resolution
Mandatory Arbitration
Hinge requires binding arbitration instead of court litigation:
Class Action Waiver
Users waive their right to participate in class actions:
Liability Cap
Hinge limits its liability to fees paid in the prior 24 months:
Analysis