Priest’s Privacy Battle
A Wisconsin priest, Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, has filed a lawsuit against Grindr after being outed and losing his job. Burrill alleges the dating app sold his data without his consent, leading to his forced resignation in 2021. The priest claims Grindr’s data practices caused significant reputational damage, violating his vow of celibacy and the Catholic Church’s stance against homosexual acts.
Data sale allegations
Burrill asserts that Grindr sold his data to vendors, which was then obtained by Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal (CLCR), a non-profit that tracked clergy members’ app usage. This information was used by the Christian news site “The Pillar” to expose Burrill’s activities, including visiting gay bars.
Legal actions and reactions
Burrill’s lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages and policy changes to protect user data. Grindr denies the allegations, promising a vigorous defense. CLCR admitted to purchasing data but denies sharing it with The Pillar. The case has sparked controversy, with many criticizing the outing as dangerously homophobic.
“We want answers so we can use that as a warning to other Grindr users,” said Burrill’s attorney, Gregory Helmer. Despite the backlash, Burrill is determined to hold Grindr accountable, with his attorney emphasizing the importance of privacy and consent in data practices.