Tinder is violating European data law, MEP alleges

From Microsoft to Google, Europe isn't afraid to take on American technology giants. Now it might be coming for Tinder.

A Belgian member of the European Parliament, is accusing Tinder of violating EU law, and is calling for an investigation by the European Commission.

Socialist Marc Tarabella, who is a substitute on the EU's internal market and consumer protection committee, released a statement on Facebook on Wednesday attacking the wildly American dating app.

"The conditions of use imposed by Tinder violate European law," he said. "Indeed, among those, the reuse of consumer data and photos, even after deactivation of an account, a problem. In other words, when you register on this site, the company can do what it wants your data: show, distribute to anyone or even change them. The lack of transparency should not be the rule!"

Tarabella's remarks were first reported by Politico.

The MEP is calling for the European Commission to open an investigation into Tinder. "More broadly, we also ask the Commission to make the hunt to all businesses which create unfair terms in mobile applications and severely sanction those responsible."

He also singles out two other tech businesses - Happn, a French dating app startup, and Runkeeper, a fitness app owned by sportswear company ASICS - as allegedly misusing customer data.

There's no guarantee that the European Commission will heed Tarabella's call. But Europe has a reputation for aggressively pursuing foreign tech companies when they (allegedly) fail to comply fully with local law - and Tinder won't be happy it has found itself in the firing line.

Tinder, Runkeeper, and Happn did not immediately respond to requests for comment.