Norway’s Data Protection Authority (Datatilsynet) has fined Xandr, a Microsoft-owned advertising company, NOK 92 million (about $9.6 million) over how it processes and shares sensitive data tied to Grindr users in Norway. The authority says the firm unlawfully uses and shares the data, prompting the record-level penalty.
The case is linked to concerns raised after a 2020 complaint by the Norwegian Consumer Council, which highlighted how apps can share user data. Outlets report that the decision follows scrutiny of data flows involving advertising or analytics partners.
Engadget notes that Xandr has three weeks to appeal, while other reports focus on the nature of the data involved and the complaint that triggered the investigation. Across coverage, the central point is Datatilsynet’s finding of unlawful handling and sharing of Grindr users’ sensitive information, leading to the fine.
