As the world turns its attention to the Olympics in Paris, Grindr, the popular LGBTQ+ dating app, has taken significant steps to ensure the safety and privacy of athletes competing in the games. In a move to protect athletes from potential harassment or prosecution, Grindr has disabled certain location-sharing features within the Olympic Village.
Protecting Privacy in the Olympic Village
Users of Grindr recently noticed that the “Explore” feature, which allows people to change their location to view profiles in different areas, is no longer available within the Olympic Village. Grindr confirmed this change, explaining that it is designed to protect athletes, particularly those who may not be openly LGBTQ+ or come from countries with strict laws against LGBTQ+ individuals. The company emphasized that using the app could put these athletes at risk of being outed by curious individuals seeking to identify and expose them.
Despite the limitations on location services, athletes in the Village can still use Grindr, although with some features disabled. The app is making sure that users’ privacy is maintained without hindering their ability to connect with others.
Special Features for Athletes
To further enhance privacy, Grindr has adjusted the default settings for profiles in the Olympic Village. The “show distance” feature, which reveals how far away another user is, will default to “off” for users in the Village and other Olympic venues. This change aims to help athletes connect without the fear of unintentionally revealing their whereabouts or being recognized.
In addition to these privacy measures, Grindr is offering several premium features for free during the two-week event. Athletes can send unlimited disappearing messages and unsend messages at no cost, features that are typically only available to paying users. Furthermore, 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 History of Protective Measures
Grindr’s decision to limit location services at the Olympics is not new. The company began implementing similar restrictions after a controversial incident at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. During that event, a writer from the Daily Beast used Grindr to meet athletes in the Olympic Village and subsequently published a story that described some of these athletes, leading to accusations that the writer had outed them. Although the athletes were not named, the descriptions were enough to spark outrage and concern over privacy violations.
Since then, Grindr has been proactive in protecting its users during large international events, ensuring that the app can be used safely by those who may be vulnerable to exposure and discrimination.
LGBTQ+ Representation at the Olympics
This year, around 155 LGBTQ+ athletes are competing in the Paris Olympics, a small fraction of the over 10,000 athletes in attendance. For many of these athletes, participating in the Olympics is not only a chance to showcase their skills but also an opportunity to represent the LGBTQ+ community on a global stage. Grindr’s measures aim to provide these athletes with a secure environment where they can connect with others without fear of unwanted exposure.
Grindr’s Evolution
In addition to its protective measures during the Olympics, Grindr is also undergoing a transformation to shed its hook-up app reputation. The company recently announced ambitious growth plans, introducing new tools aimed at helping users find long-term relationships and recommending in-person events. This strategic shift appears to be resonating with investors, as Grindr’s stock (GRND) has seen an increase of more than 30% this year.
By limiting location services at the Olympics, Grindr is not only safeguarding the privacy of LGBTQ+ athletes but also reinforcing its commitment to creating a secure and supportive environment for its users. As the games continue, these measures will play a crucial role in protecting athletes while allowing them to connect and celebrate their identities.
