Google, Tinder face investigation in Ireland over user data processing practices

European Union regulators in Dublin have launched investigations into Google and the online matchmaking app Tinder in an attempt to understand their processing of user data.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, based in Dublin, is investigating Google’s Irish subsidiary to decide whether the company meets transparency obligations under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or “has a valid legal basis for processing the location data of its users,” the commission said in a statement.

Google “will cooperate fully with the office of the Data Protection Commission in its inquiry, and continue to work closely with regulators and consumer associations across Europe,” the company said in a statement, according to The Associated Press. “In the last year, we have made a number of product changes to improve the level of user transparency and control over location data.”

The commission has a total of 23 inquiries into U.S.-based tech companies, including Facebook and Twitter.

Tinder is also under investigation by the commission after the EU raised concerns about problem areas surrounding its U.S. parent company, Match Group, and its processing of users’ private data and compliance with GDPR.

“Transparency and protecting our users’ personal data is of utmost importance to us,” Match Group told the AP. “We are fully cooperating with the Data Protection Commission and will continue to abide by GDPR and all applicable laws.”

Under GDPR, regulators are permitted to fine businesses up to 20 million euros or 4 percent of global turnover, whichever is greater, for every breach, as well as require changes to come into compliance with the law.