The Russian government now wants to get its hands on more of its citizen's personal information and is demanding that the popular dating app Tinder hand over all data going through its country’s servers. The order was made by the Russian Communications Oversight Agency, which requested not only user data, but also access to all private messages. 

 

Tinder's Terms of Service say it will "disclose your information if reasonably necessary,” such as complying "with a legal process.” However, the company insisted it has not shared "any user or personal data with any Russian regulatory bodies and we have not handed over any data to their government."

 

One major fear is that releasing personal information could put LGBT users are risk. The Russian government is aggressively homophobic.

 

“Tinder has zero right to release that information that is so sensitive, so personal,” Christopher Wood, executive director and co-founder of LGBT Tech, argued. 

 

A recent survey from Tinder, released for Pride month, revealed that several people actually come out online before they feel comfortable telling their families and friends.

 

“That means that the data that Tinder holds is more sensitive than what a lot of people are trusting their closest family and friends to know about them,” Wood explained.

 

“I’m sure they’re not going to be used for purposes of advancing your dating interests,” privacy expert Ann Cavoukian said. “They just want to get the information and use it for purposes unintended.”

 

Russian authorities have requested data from other online companies. LinkedIn refused to comply and has been banned in the country. Google and Facebook are also fighting a government demand that they store data within the country (where it will become subject to Russian laws).

 

Tinder needs to swipe left on this request.