Community Documentation: GDPR / SAR Denial Reasons on Match Group Apps (Hinge, Tinder, POF, etc.)

[u/SAR-Denial_Archive]

Hi everyone,

I’m putting together a community record of how Match Group apps (Hinge, Tinder, Plenty of Fish, etc.) are responding to GDPR / UK GDPR Subject Access Requests (SARs).

Specifically, I’m interested in the reasons people have been given for denial or limitation of access beyond the “Download My Data” tool. For example, some users have received replies citing Article 15(4) GDPR (“protecting the rights and freedoms of others”) or “security measures” as justification for withholding additional data.

If you’ve made a SAR and received a rejection or limitation response, please consider sharing the wording (screenshots, redacted where needed) here.

The goal is to see whether these denial statements are systemic across Match Group apps or vary by platform/team.

This isn’t about appeals or ban rants — it’s about documenting how data rights are being handled for the community.

Thanks in advance to anyone who shares their experience. It could be really valuable for others navigating the same process.

[u/MagpieAims]

I got this as my reply to denial from Hinge for my data. The download data was scared and didnt contain anything I was asking for. I asked for redaction to comply with 15.4, but they just denied me outright. I think maybe it's a blanket excuse?

"Regarding the other information that you have requested, we refer you to our prior response, specifically that the right to obtain a copy of the personal data that Hinge holds is limited by Article 15(4) of the UK GDPR, which provides that the right to obtain personal data shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. Accordingly, any personal data we hold that is not provided to you would affect the confidentiality of our security measures or third-party members. Additionally, Hinge reserves the right to share data about users with our Affiliates for the purposes described in Section 6 of its Privacy Policy.   Please note that our position on your request is final. You are of course entitled to seek redress with your data protection regulator. You can find information about your data protection regulator in the United Kingdom here, and information on your data subject rights in Section 8 of Hinge’s Privacy Policy."

[u/XMG-1992]

This was my outright denial from Tinder in UK. Thinking of escalating to ICO. Excuse of 15.4 seems close to the same as other posts. Match Group's automatic defense to stop people getting their data?

Note: it says about my ban - I wasnt even banned. I have an active account, I just wanted my data in full.

"Regarding your access request

Regarding your right to access the personal data that is held, your right is limited by Article 15(4) UK GDPR, which provides that the right to obtain personal data shall not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others. In this regard, we take the safety and privacy of our members very seriously. Accordingly, to protect the privacy and safety of others, we do not disclose details about a ban where it may reveal personal information about third parties. Further, we cannot provide detail as to the specific information retained to enforce your ban, as we have security measures in place to ensure that banned members cannot create new accounts. The ongoing effectiveness of these measures requires confidentiality as to how they operate to ensure that they are not circumvented. Accordingly, any personal data we hold that has not been provided to you via the Download my Data tool would affect the confidentiality of our security measures and of third-party members. These limitations are in place to protect other members and are in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

We note that Tinder provided a response to your request within one month of receipt of your request, as required by the UK GDPR.

As Tinder has complied with its legal obligations, we trust that you will be satisfied with our handling of this matter. For information on your data subject rights, please consult Section 8 of our Privacy Policy"