As the world gathers for the Paris Olympics, Grindr, a leading LGBTQ+ dating app, has implemented crucial measures to ensure the safety and privacy of athletes participating in the event. Recognizing the risks of harassment and prosecution, Grindr has restricted certain location-sharing features within the Olympic Village to protect athletes.
Ensuring Athlete Privacy in the Olympic Village
Grindr users within the Olympic Village have noticed the deactivation of the “Explore” feature, which typically allows users to change their location to view profiles in different areas. Grindr confirmed this adjustment, explaining it aims to safeguard athletes, especially those who may not be publicly LGBTQ+ or come from countries with severe anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The app’s proactive step helps prevent athletes from being outed by individuals trying to identify and expose them.
Although some location services are limited, athletes can still use Grindr in the Village with certain features disabled to maintain privacy and allow safe connections.
Tailored Privacy Features for Athletes
To further protect athletes, Grindr has modified default profile settings within the Olympic Village. The “show distance” feature, which indicates another user’s proximity, is now defaulted to “off” for users in the Village and other Olympic venues. This adjustment helps athletes connect without inadvertently revealing their location or identity.
Moreover, Grindr is offering several premium features for free during the Olympic period. Athletes can send unlimited disappearing messages and unsend messages without charge, typically reserved for paying users. Additionally, the ability to send private videos and take screenshots has been temporarily disabled within the Village radius, adding an extra layer of security for users.
A Legacy of User Protection
Grindr’s decision to limit location services at the Olympics is part of a continued effort to protect user privacy. This initiative follows a controversial incident at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where a Daily Beast writer used Grindr to meet athletes and published a story that indirectly outed some of them. The backlash from this incident prompted Grindr to adopt stringent privacy measures during significant international events.
Since then, Grindr has been committed to ensuring the app can be used safely by individuals at risk of exposure and discrimination.
Representation of LGBTQ+ Athletes at the Olympics
This year, approximately 155 LGBTQ+ athletes are competing in the Paris Olympics, a small but significant fraction of the over 10,000 athletes participating. For many of these athletes, the Olympics is not just a platform to demonstrate their athletic prowess but also a chance to represent the LGBTQ+ community globally. Grindr’s safety measures aim to provide these athletes with a secure environment where they can connect without fear of being outed.
Grindr’s Ongoing Evolution
Beyond its protective measures at the Olympics, Grindr is evolving to move past its hook-up app image. The company recently announced ambitious growth plans, introducing new tools to help users find long-term relationships and recommending in-person events. This strategic shift has resonated well with investors, reflected in a more than 30% increase in Grindr’s stock (GRND) this year.
By limiting location services at the Olympics, Grindr is not only protecting the privacy of LGBTQ+ athletes but also reinforcing its dedication to creating a secure and supportive environment for all its users. As the games progress, these measures will be vital in ensuring athletes can connect and celebrate their identities safely.