FTC Fines OkCupid, Match Group for Sharing User Data Without Consent

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced an enforcement action against OkCupid (operated by Humor Rainbow, Inc.) and Match Group Americas for allegedly sharing users' personal data, including photos, location information, and demographics, with a third party that had no business relationship with OkCupid. The FTC claims OkCupid's founders were financial investors in the recipient entity and the company imposed no restrictions on how the data could be used.

Why it matters

This case highlights the FTC's commitment to enforcing companies' privacy commitments and the consequences for misrepresenting data practices, even in industries built on sensitive personal information. It serves as a warning to any business handling consumer data that they must align their operational practices with their stated privacy policies.

The details

According to the FTC's complaint, OkCupid and Match Group shared nearly 3 million users' personal data, including photos, location information, and demographic details, with a third party that had no business relationship with OkCupid. The FTC alleges this occurred because OkCupid's founders were financial investors in the recipient entity, and the company imposed no contractual restrictions on how the data could be used. The FTC further claims OkCupid and Match took steps to conceal the data sharing, including attempts to obstruct the agency's investigation and publicly denying involvement with the third party.

• The FTC announced the enforcement action on March 30, 2026.
• The alleged data sharing occurred starting in 2014.

What’s next

Under the proposed settlement, OkCupid and Match Group are permanently prohibited from misrepresenting how they collect, use, disclose, or protect personal information, as well as the purpose of that data processing and the function of any privacy controls offered to consumers. Future violations could carry monetary penalties.