Fears mount that China's spymasters will cruise Grindr

[Stonecold]

Fears mount that China's spymasters will cruise Grindr for personal data to 'out people' after a Chinese tech firm bought the gay dating app for $400m

Chinese gaming company Kunlun completed acquisition of Grindr last week
The popular gay hookup app has millions of users in the US and worldwide
Now fears are emerging that Chinese government could access their info
Company says it has safeguards in place and remains subject to US laws

The recent acquisition of gay hookup app Grinder by a Chinese tech company has sparked fears that China's spymasters could gain access to millions of users' information.

Kunlun Group Limited bought Grindr last week at a rumored valuation of $400million, ousting founder Joel Simkhai as CEO in favor of Kunlun chairman Yahui Zhou.

Grindr, an eight-year-old company based in West Hollywood, California, has denied that Chinese intelligence services will be able to use information from the app to blackmail or otherwise influence targets.

'The Chinese government will not have access to your account,' Grindr said in a statement after the deal was announced last year.

'[Parent company] Beijing Kunlun is not owned by the Chinese government. This sale doesn’t change how Grindr safeguards our user data.'

But some cybersecurity experts aren't so sure, and point out that the Chinese government is able to exert significant pressure and control on the country's private enterprises.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5264963/Grindr-sale-Kunlun-sparks-fears-Chinese-spying.html

 

[W!nston]

I've never accessed Grindr but if I had I would be unhappy about this development. I mean I have nothing to worry about as a private citizen and not some intelligence agent or in some other position that might make me a target.

 

[topdog]

... I mean I have nothing to worry about as a private citizen and not some intelligence agent or in some other position that might make me a target.

But isn't that exactly what you would expect a spy to say? Hmm? :thinking:

 

[Habukaz]

None of the apps are private. There is no entry barrier. Anyone can download and use them. Everyone who uses them has to know their profile and pictures are public knowledge for everyone to see. Since the Snowden leaks everyone who uses the internet on a regular basis should know governments are constantly scanning everything that happens online.

 

[tonka]

I don't understand why a Chinese tech firm would buy Grindr.

The creepy reason has been suggested, but $400 million is LOT of money.
Is there is business reason for this?

 

[topdog]

I don't understand why a Chinese tech firm would buy Grindr. The creepy reason has been suggested, but $400 million is LOT of money. Is there is business reason for this?

I don't know what you are asking. How much do you think Grindr is worth?