Gay dating-appp Grindr will turn off its location function in the Milan area where the athletes will be staying this week. It is a preventive measure to protect LGBTQ+ athletes from possible backlash in their country. 

The app normally has the option to see other users on a virtual map. Normally this is quite useful, but this week the app is changing the experience in the area.  

The Olympic Games are an event in which athletes receive worldwide attention, both on the stage and off it. The app management states that “for homosexual athletes, especially those still in the closet or those from countries where being gay is dangerous or illegal, this digital visibility poses serious safety threats.” 

It is not the first time Grindr shuts off its location service near the Olympic Village. In 2022 and 2024 the app took this measure before.