Home Bumble and Hinge stalkers could track users within two meters on dating apps, researchers say

Bumble and Hinge stalkers could track users within two meters on dating apps, researchers say

TL:DR

  • Researchers found vulnerabilities in Bumble and Hinge that could pinpoint users' locations.
  • A study revealed six dating apps could expose a victim's exact location.
  • Apps updated distance filters after researchers highlighted the security issues.

In a frightening twist, researchers have found vulnerabilities in the design of dating apps Bumble and Hinge which could allow stalkers to pinpoint victims’ locations down to two meters.

Researchers from the KU Leuven University in Belgium found six dating apps had the same issue after analyzing 15 of the most popular.

In the published paper titled ‘Swipe Left for Identity Theft,’ the dating platforms are said to “allow for pinpointing a victim’s exact location, enabling physical threats to user’s personal safety.”

None of these apps explicitly share the exact location of potential suitors, but they do have location-based features. This is so people can find relevant matches within their area.

Through a process of oracle trilateration, where an attacker gauges three positions representing the location of the victim, the researchers found that Badoo, Bumble, Hinge, and Hily are all susceptible to this approach.

While this is worrying for anyone, the team reached out to the companies behind the apps and they changed how their distance filters work so they’re no longer vulnerable to the technique.

Dating apps to ‘expose’ sensitive data

These geo-location-based apps were also found in this research to “routinely expose personal data to other users.” This could include information that they’re not actually aware of.

A broad privacy analysis of user data risks was carried out too, with the findings pointing to the app’s UI exposing “large amounts of personal and sensitive data to even unsophisticated adversaries.

“While users may feel compelled to share such data, there is a particular risk when APIs leak data hidden in the UI as well as exact user locations, as users will not be aware that they are sharing this data, which can lead to additional harm.”

The paper concludes that “the apps’ privacy policies generally fail to inform users about these privacy threats and leave the burden of protecting personal (sensitive) data to the users.”

Image Credit: Via Ideogram

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Sophie Atkinson
Tech Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.