Priest Sues Grindr for Data Breach

Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, a former top administrator of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has filed a lawsuit against Grindr, alleging that the app sold his data without his consent, leading to his public outing and resignation in 2021. Burrill claims that Grindr failed to protect his data and did not inform him that vendors could access it, resulting in significant damage to his reputation. The Pillar, a Catholic media site, reported Burrill's use of Grindr and visits to gay bars, using data purportedly obtained from the Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal (CLCR). Burrill is seeking $5 million in damages and the implementation of policies to prevent similar data breaches. Grindr has stated it intends to respond vigorously to the allegations, which it claims are based on mischaracterizations of its data practices.