Apr 3, 2018 - Technology

Senate Democrats seek answers from Grindr

The 'Grindr' app logo is seen amongst other dating apps on a mobile phone. Photo: Leon Neal / Getty Images

Democratic senators Edward J. Markey and Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday sent a letter to the CEO of Grindr, demanding answers to questions about Grindr's privacy policies. The LGBTQ dating app came under fire this week for sharing users' HIV status with third-party vendors. A Grindr spokesperson told Axios: "We welcome the questions about our policies and always look for opportunities to improve."

The backstory: Axios reported Monday that Grindr has stopped sharing the HIV status data. BuzzFeed News first reported that Grindr has been sharing personal and sensitive information about approximately 3.6 million active daily users without their consent with two business partners, Apptimize and Localytics.

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Scott Rosenberg
1 hour ago - Technology

The TikTok deal's for-show provisions and flimsy foundations

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

The new deal to rescue TikTok from a threatened U.S. ban — full of provisions aimed at creating the temporary appearance of a presidential win — looks like a sort of Potemkin village agreement.

How it works: Potemkin villages were fake-storefront towns stood up to impress a visiting czar and dignitaries. When the visitors left, the stage set got struck.

  • Similarly, many elements of this plan look hastily erected and easily abandoned once the spotlight moves on.
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Sara Fischer, author of Media Trends
1 hour ago - Technology

Over 3 million U.S. voters have already registered on social media

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

An estimated 2.5 million+ Americans have registered to vote on Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger, Facebook announced Monday. More than 733,000 Americans have registered to vote so far via Snapchat.

Why it matters: The broad reach of social media platforms makes them uniquely effective at engaging voters — especially younger voters who may not know how to register to vote or be civically engaged.

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Felix Salmon, author of Capital
1 hour ago - Economy & Business

Wall Street: Recession is over

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

U.S. economic activity fell more sharply in the second quarter of this year than during any other quarter in history. It's also going to grow more sharply in the third quarter of this year than during any other quarter in history.

  • The recession is over, according to Wall Street, with current forecasts showing sustained economic growth through 2021 and beyond.
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