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Norway fines Microsoft's Xandr $9.6 million over Grindr ad-data handling

Norway's Data Protection Authority fined Xandr, an adtech unit now owned by Microsoft, 92 million kroner (about $9.6 million) for allegedly using sensitive Grindr user data for advertising without obtaining explicit consent. The agency said Xandr assumed Grindr had already secured user approval, and the case stems from a 2020 complaint by Norway's consumer council covering data practices between July 2018 and April 2020. It is the largest fine the NDPA has ever issued.

engadget.com · 2026-10-12

Norway fines Microsoft's Xandr $9.6M over Grindr ad-data sharing

Norway's Datatilsynet fined Xandr, a Microsoft-owned ad company, NOK 92 million ($9.6M) for unlawfully processing and sharing sensitive data of Grindr users between July 2018 and April 2020. The regulator found Xandr ran real-time ad auctions that exposed users' sexual orientation data to thousands of advertisers without verifying that Grindr had obtained valid consent. The case stemmed from a 2020 complaint filed by Austrian privacy group Noyb and the Norwegian Consumer Council.

bleepingcomputer.com · 2026-10-12