Bumble Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Alleged Deceptive Practices and Auto-Renewal Billing—Millions of US Users May Qualify for Compensation

Bumble faces multiple class action lawsuits alleging privacy violations, auto-renewal billing fraud, securities fraud, and gender discrimination—potentially affecting millions of US users who claim damages ranging from unauthorized charges to civil rights violations. Illinois users already received over $1,400 each from a $40 million biometric privacy settlement that closed in 2024, while a $22.5 million auto-renewal settlement paid users up to $129. A new Illinois BIPA lawsuit filed in November 2023 remains pending and could result in additional payments. Securities fraud litigation in Western District of Texas federal court is ongoing.

If you’ve used Bumble and experienced unauthorized subscription charges, were an Illinois resident using the app between 2016-2021 or after December 31, 2021, purchased Bumble stock between November 2023 and August 2024, or are a heterosexual woman frustrated by mandatory first-move requirements, you may qualify for compensation or to join ongoing litigation.

What Is the Bumble Class Action Lawsuit About?

Bumble faces five distinct class action lawsuits, each targeting different alleged violations:

First BIPA Privacy Violation (Settled – $40 Million) Illinois users alleged Bumble violated Illinois’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by collecting facial recognition data from uploaded photos without proper consent between November 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. The Howell v. Bumble settlement received final court approval on October 24, 2025, and approved claimants received payments of over $1,400 in August 2025. This case is fully resolved.

Second BIPA Privacy Violation (Pending – Filed November 2023) Plaintiff Ashley Ott filed a new BIPA lawsuit in November 2023 alleging Bumble continues to profit from facial scans it unlawfully collects from users during photo verification processes. The case, Ott v. Bumble Inc., Case No. 1:23-cv-15658 (N.D. Ill.), claims Bumble fails to inform users in writing of the specific purpose and length of term for which biometric information is collected, stored, and used. This lawsuit is currently pending in Northern District of Illinois federal court and seeks to represent Illinois residents who had biometric information collected by Bumble within the last five years from the November 2023 filing date. This case remains active and Illinois users can potentially join.

Auto-Renewal Subscription Fraud (Settled – $22.5 Million) Plaintiffs alleged Bumble automatically renewed Bumble Boost subscriptions without clear consent, failed to disclose auto-renewal terms conspicuously, made cancellation difficult, and violated California and New York consumer protection laws. The settlement received final approval in December 2020, with California class members receiving between $64 and $129. This case is fully resolved.

Securities Fraud (Pending – Western District of Texas) Bumble Inc. shareholders filed suit alleging executives made false statements about the Premium Plus subscription tier and app relaunch strategy between November 7, 2023, and August 7, 2024, causing stock prices to plummet 15% in February 2024 and 29% in August 2024. The case, Holzer v. Bumble Inc., No. 24-cv-01131 (W.D. Tex.), is currently in early litigation stages following the November 25, 2024 lead plaintiff appointment deadline.

Gender Discrimination (Pending – Central District of California) Plaintiffs Christine Johnson and Diane Foster claim Bumble discriminates against heterosexual women by requiring them to initiate conversations with male matches, while allowing either person in non-heterosexual matches to make first contact. The lawsuit, filed in California federal court in early 2024, remains in preliminary stages.

Who Can Join the Bumble Class Action Lawsuits?

First BIPA Privacy Settlement (Claim Period Closed)

Illinois residents who used Bumble or Badoo apps while located in Illinois between November 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. The September 20, 2024 claim deadline has passed, and payments have been distributed.

Second BIPA Privacy Lawsuit (Potentially Open)

Illinois residents who had their biometric information collected by Bumble during photo verification processes within the last five years from November 2023. This means Illinois users from approximately November 2018 through present may qualify. The case was filed in November 2023 by Ashley Ott and represented by Michael L. Fradin of Fradin Law and James L. Simon of Simon Law Co. This case has not yet reached settlement and may still accept new plaintiffs.

Auto-Renewal Settlement (Claim Period Closed)

Nationwide class members who purchased Bumble Boost subscriptions between November 13, 2014, and July 15, 2020, plus a California subclass with additional claims. The claim deadline passed in 2020, and payments have been issued.

Securities Fraud Lawsuit (Potentially Open to New Claimants)

Purchasers or acquirers of Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ: BMBL) securities between November 7, 2023, and August 7, 2024, who suffered financial losses. The November 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline has passed, but investors can still join as class members once certification occurs.

Gender Discrimination Lawsuit (Potentially Open)

Heterosexual women who used Bumble and were required to initiate conversations with male matches. The case remains in early stages, and eligibility requirements may expand as litigation progresses.

What Are the Specific Allegations Against Bumble?

First BIPA Privacy Violations (Settled)

The Howell lawsuit alleged Bumble violated Illinois law by collecting, storing, and using facial recognition data from user photographs without obtaining informed written consent, providing required disclosures, or establishing data retention policies between November 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021.

Second BIPA Privacy Violations (Pending – Filed November 2023)

The Ott lawsuit makes more recent allegations that Bumble:

• Collected, stored, and used biometric information without receiving written releases from users
• Failed to inform users in writing during photo verification processes of the specific purpose for collecting biometric data
• Failed to disclose how long biometric information would be collected, stored, and used
• Profited from facial scans obtained without proper consent
• Exposed users to serious and irreversible privacy risks by collecting and disseminating biometric data
• Left users unable to protect themselves from identity theft or unauthorized tracking in the event of a data breach

The lawsuit claims Illinois BIPA allows statutory damages of $1,000 for negligent violations and $5,000 for intentional or reckless violations—per violation. This means users could potentially receive $1,000-$5,000 each if the lawsuit succeeds.

Auto-Renewal Deception (Settled)

The complaint detailed multiple violations:

• Terms of Service failed to clearly indicate subscriptions would auto-renew unless users cancelled
• Bumble made cancellation difficult through complex processes
• Terms made refunds impossible, violating California law
• Bumble’s nationwide application of New York law violated New York’s dating services statute requiring a three-day cooling-off period with refund rights
• Subscriptions ranging from $8.99 to $139.99 renewed without affirmative consent

Securities Fraud Claims (Pending)

Defendants allegedly made overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while concealing material adverse facts about Bumble’s Premium Plus tier performance, app relaunch strategy, consumer market understanding, and projected revenue growth.

Timeline of alleged fraud:

February 27, 2024: Bumble reported disappointing Q4 2023 results and announced Premium Plus “did not have a clear enough market fit” at launch, causing stock to drop from $13.18 to $11.23 per share—a 15% decline.

August 7, 2024: Bumble disclosed the app relaunch wasn’t going to plan, requiring a “reset” and “rebalancing” of subscription tiers with a pause on Premium Plus revamp, while cutting fiscal year guidance for the second time. Stock plummeted from $8.06 to $5.71—a 29% drop.

Gender Discrimination Allegations (Pending)

Plaintiffs claim Bumble unlawfully discriminates by limiting heterosexual women’s freedom to choose whether to make the first move, while providing full choice to users in non-heterosexual matches. The lawsuit challenges Bumble’s core brand feature—women making the first move—as discriminatory.

Current Status of Bumble Class Action Lawsuits

First BIPA Privacy Case (Howell v. Bumble): Final approval granted October 24, 2025. Payments of over $1,400 distributed to approved claimants in August 2025. No appeals were filed. Case is fully resolved. Subsequent distributions may occur if additional funds become available.

Second BIPA Privacy Case (Ott v. Bumble): Currently pending in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:23-cv-15658. Filed November 10, 2023. An Illinois federal judge refused to dismiss the lawsuit in July 2023, ruling the court has personal jurisdiction over Bumble because it conducted targeted marketing in Illinois. This case is actively proceeding and has not reached settlement. Class certification has not yet been granted, but the case survived Bumble’s motion to dismiss—a significant milestone suggesting the case has merit. Illinois residents who used Bumble’s photo verification feature may still be able to join.

Auto-Renewal Case: Final approval granted December 16, 2020. Settlement of $22.5 million distributed with California class members receiving $64-$129 and nationwide class members receiving $21-$44. Case is fully resolved.

Securities Fraud Case: Currently pending in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Lead plaintiff appointment deadline was November 25, 2024. The case is in preliminary stages following initial complaint filing in September 2024. Discovery, class certification motions, and potential settlement negotiations lie ahead. Multiple law firms represent plaintiff shareholders, including Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, Levi & Korsinsky LLP, The Rosen Law Firm, DiCello Levitt LLP, and The Gross Law Firm.

Gender Discrimination Case: Pending in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Case No. 5:24-cv-00740, filed in 2024. No public information about class certification, discovery status, or settlement discussions is currently available. Plaintiff attorneys at Greg Adler P.C. are handling the litigation.

Related Settled Case: A separate securities litigation filed in January 2022 regarding Bumble’s September 2021 Secondary Public Offering was settled for $18 million with final approval in August 2023 and distribution to eligible claimants in July 2025.

How to Join the Bumble Lawsuit

For Second BIPA Privacy Case (Currently Pending – Ott v. Bumble)

This is the most important pending case for Illinois Bumble users. If you’re an Illinois resident who used Bumble’s photo verification feature anytime from approximately November 2018 through present, you may qualify.

Contact Plaintiff Attorneys:

• Fradin Law: Michael L. Fradin
• Simon Law Co.: James L. Simon

Illinois residents can also monitor mass arbitration efforts. ClassAction.org previously investigated gathering Illinois residents for mass arbitration against Bumble over facial geometry collection. While that specific investigation concluded in February 2024, similar efforts may emerge.

What to Document:

• When you lived in or visited Illinois
• When you used Bumble
• Whether you completed photo verification
• Screenshots of any BIPA consent disclosures (or lack thereof)
• Any correspondence with Bumble about biometric data

Potential Compensation: Under Illinois BIPA, you could receive $1,000 for negligent violations or $5,000 for intentional/reckless violations per incident. The first BIPA settlement paid over $1,400 per person, suggesting similar or higher amounts if this case settles.

For Securities Fraud Case (Currently Pending)

The November 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline has passed, but investors can still participate:

Eligibility: You purchased Bumble stock (NASDAQ: BMBL) between November 7, 2023, and August 7, 2024, and suffered losses.

Contact Information:

• Robbins Geller: 800-449-4900 or [email protected]
• Levi & Korsinsky: (212) 363-7500 or [email protected]
• The Rosen Law Firm: (866) 767-3653 or [email protected]
• DiCello Levitt: (888) 287-9005 or [email protected]

What to Provide:

• Proof of Bumble stock purchases during the class period
• Documentation of losses
• Contact information
• Brokerage statements showing purchase dates, prices, and sales

For Gender Discrimination Case

Contact plaintiff attorney Greg Adler P.C. to inquire about participation. The case remains in early stages without public information on class certification or claim forms.

For Settled Cases (First BIPA and Auto-Renewal)

Claim periods have closed. If you believe you qualified but didn’t file, contact the settlement administrators to inquire about late claims, though courts rarely accept them:

First BIPA Settlement: [email protected] or 877-763-0944
Auto-Renewal Settlement: [email protected] or 1-888-383-0346

What Compensation Can Affected Users Receive?

Already Paid Out

• First BIPA Settlement: Over $1,400 per claimant (paid August 2025)
• Auto-Renewal Settlement: California class members: $64-$129; Nationwide class members: $21-$44 (paid 2021)

Pending Second BIPA Case (Ott v. Bumble)

Under Illinois BIPA statutory damages:

• $1,000 per negligent violation
• $5,000 per intentional or reckless violation

The first Bumble BIPA settlement paid over $1,400 per person from a $40 million fund. If the second case settles for a similar amount with fewer claimants (covering a shorter time period post-2021), per-person payments could be comparable or higher.

Pending Securities Fraud Case

No settlement amount determined. Compensation will depend on:

• Number of valid claims filed
• Total losses across all class members
• Whether case settles or proceeds to trial
• Strength of evidence supporting fraud allegations
• Bumble’s financial condition and insurance coverage

A similar 2022 Bumble securities case settled for $18 million, suggesting potential settlement ranges, though each case depends on specific facts and damages.

Pending Gender Discrimination Case

No damages amount specified. Potential compensation could include injunctive relief (requiring Bumble to change policies), actual damages for any fees paid, and potentially punitive damages if discrimination is proven.

Bumble’s Response to the Lawsuits

First BIPA Case: Bumble and Badoo denied all allegations and made no admission of guilt or wrongdoing by entering into the $40 million settlement. As part of settlement terms, Bumble agreed to delete all previously collected biometric information and comply with BIPA going forward.

Second BIPA Case (Ott v. Bumble): An Illinois federal judge refused to dismiss the lawsuit in July 2023, rejecting Bumble’s jurisdictional arguments. The court ruled it has personal jurisdiction over Bumble because the company conducted targeted marketing in Illinois and the photo verification feature is advertised as a way to entice users to its platform. This ruling suggests the court believes plaintiffs have viable claims. Bumble has not publicly commented on the ongoing litigation.

Auto-Renewal Case: Bumble vigorously denied allegations but agreed to pay $22.5 million and implemented an 18-month injunction requiring changes to terms, conditions, and Bumble Boost subscription disclosures.

Securities Fraud Case: Bumble has not issued public statements about the pending litigation. The company typically files motions to dismiss in securities cases, though none have been publicly reported yet. Defendants in similar securities cases often argue statements were not materially misleading or that stock drops resulted from industry-wide trends rather than company-specific fraud.

Gender Discrimination Case: No public response from Bumble has been reported. The company’s entire brand centers on women making the first move, making this lawsuit particularly significant for its business model.

Similar Dating App Class Actions and Outcomes

Dating apps face increasing legal scrutiny over privacy, billing, and business practices:

Match.com/Tinder Litigation: Match Group, Bumble’s primary competitor, has faced numerous class actions over fake profiles, deceptive marketing, and billing practices. Several settled for undisclosed amounts with policy changes.

Hinge/Coffee Meets Bagel: These apps have faced smaller-scale complaints about subscription practices and data privacy, though not reaching major class action settlements.

Industry-Wide Auto-Renewal Scrutiny: The FTC and state attorneys general have intensified enforcement of auto-renewal laws. Dating apps remain prime targets for consumer protection enforcement.

BIPA Settlements: Dating apps operating in Illinois face particular exposure under BIPA, which allows statutory damages of $1,000-$5,000 per violation. Multiple apps have settled BIPA claims for eight-figure amounts. The trend shows companies continue to face new BIPA lawsuits even after settling earlier cases if they don’t fully comply with the law’s requirements.

Securities Fraud Precedent: Tech companies face frequent securities litigation when product launches underperform. Bumble’s Premium Plus tier failure and app relaunch troubles mirror similar cases where companies overpromised on new features.

What Should Bumble Users Do Now?

If You’re an Illinois Resident Who Used Bumble After December 31, 2021

You may qualify for the pending BIPA lawsuit (Ott v. Bumble). This is critical:

• Document when you used Bumble in Illinois
• Save any screenshots showing photo verification requirements
• Note whether Bumble provided written consent forms about biometric data collection
• Contact plaintiff attorneys Michael L. Fradin (Fradin Law) or James L. Simon (Simon Law Co.)
• Consider joining if class certification is granted

The first BIPA settlement paid over $1,400 per person. This new case covers users after that settlement period ended, meaning you could receive similar compensation if the case succeeds.

If You Used Bumble in Illinois (2016-2021)

Check if you received payment from the first BIPA settlement. Payments were distributed via check, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle in August 2025. If you believe you qualified but didn’t receive payment, contact the settlement administrator immediately at [email protected] or 877-763-0944.

If You Experienced Unauthorized Bumble Boost Charges (2014-2020)

The claim period has closed, but document your experience. Similar future lawsuits may arise, and your documentation could support new claims if Bumble continues problematic practices.

If You Purchased Bumble Stock (November 2023 – August 2024)

Contact one of the plaintiff law firms immediately to register your information. Provide:

• Brokerage statements showing purchases and sales
• Calculation of losses
• Number of shares purchased
• Total investment amount

While the lead plaintiff deadline passed, you can still participate as a class member. Registration ensures you receive case updates and claim forms when available.

If You’re a Heterosexual Woman Frustrated by First-Move Requirement

Monitor the Johnson v. Bumble case progress. Contact Greg Adler P.C. if you want to participate. Document your experience with the app, including:

• When you used Bumble
• Whether you wanted men to initiate contact
• Whether the policy caused you to leave the platform
• Any fees or subscriptions you paid

For All Current Bumble Users

Review Subscription Settings:

• Check auto-renewal status in your account
• Understand cancellation procedures
• Document subscription charges
• Verify your consent to terms was clear and informed

Understand Privacy Practices:

• Review Bumble’s current privacy policy
• Check what biometric data Bumble collects
• Understand how long data is retained
• Consider privacy implications of photo verification features
• If you’re in Illinois, be particularly aware that photo verification involves biometric data collection

Monitor Your Account:

• Watch for unexpected charges
• Keep records of all subscription changes
• Screenshot important terms and conditions
• Save confirmation emails for cancellations

Stay Informed:

• Check settlement websites regularly: www.HowellBIPASettlement.com
• Monitor news about pending cases, especially the second BIPA lawsuit
• Watch for notice of class certification in securities and discrimination cases
• Consider joining consumer protection email lists for dating app litigation updates

Key Takeaways for Bumble Users

Multiple class actions demonstrate Bumble’s ongoing legal vulnerability across privacy, consumer protection, securities, and civil rights issues. While two major settlements have already paid users millions, three pending lawsuits could result in additional compensation and company reforms.

Most Important for Illinois Residents: The second BIPA lawsuit (Ott v. Bumble) filed in November 2023 remains active and covers Illinois users who used photo verification after December 31, 2021. If you’re an Illinois resident who used Bumble anytime from approximately 2022 through present, you may qualify for substantial damages ($1,000-$5,000 per violation under BIPA). Contact plaintiff attorneys to determine eligibility.

The auto-renewal settlement led to significant policy changes in subscription transparency and cancellation procedures. The first BIPA settlement resulted in the largest per-person payment ($1,400+), reflecting the serious nature of biometric privacy violations under Illinois law. The pending second BIPA case could produce similar results.

Securities fraud and gender discrimination cases remain in early stages. Investors who lost money on Bumble stock and heterosexual women who object to mandatory first-move policies should consult with plaintiff attorneys about participation.

Dating app users increasingly hold companies accountable through class action litigation. These cases have resulted in policy improvements, substantial financial penalties, and greater transparency in subscription practices—benefits extending beyond class members to all users.

Document everything. Whether privacy violations, billing issues, stock losses, or discrimination concerns, contemporaneous documentation strengthens future legal claims. Save emails, take screenshots, keep receipts, and note dates of problematic experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still claim money from the Bumble settlements?

The claim deadlines for both the $40 million first BIPA settlement (September 20, 2024) and the $22.5 million auto-renewal settlement (2020) have passed. Payments have been distributed. Contact settlement administrators if you believe you qualified but didn’t receive payment, though late claims are rarely accepted. However, if you’re an Illinois resident who used Bumble after December 31, 2021, you may qualify for the new pending BIPA lawsuit.

Q: I’m an Illinois resident who used Bumble in 2022-2025. Can I join the new BIPA lawsuit?

Potentially yes. The Ott v. Bumble lawsuit filed in November 2023 seeks to represent Illinois residents who had biometric information collected within the last five years from filing. Contact plaintiff attorneys Michael L. Fradin or James L. Simon to discuss eligibility. This case survived Bumble’s motion to dismiss and remains active.

Q: How much money will Illinois users get from the second BIPA lawsuit?

Under Illinois BIPA, statutory damages are $1,000 per negligent violation or $5,000 per intentional/reckless violation. The first BIPA settlement paid over $1,400 per person. If this case settles, payments could be similar or higher depending on the number of claimants and settlement amount.

Q: How much money will Bumble stock investors receive?

The securities fraud case hasn’t reached settlement. Compensation amounts depend on case outcome, number of claimants, and total proven damages. A similar 2022 Bumble securities case settled for $18 million.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to join the Bumble class action?

For the securities case, you can register with plaintiff law firms at no cost. Law firms work on contingency—you only pay if the case wins. For the second BIPA case and gender discrimination case, contact the plaintiff attorneys to discuss participation.

Q: What if I experienced problems with Bumble but missed the settlement deadlines?

Document your experience thoroughly. If Bumble continues problematic practices, new lawsuits may be filed. Your documentation could support future claims. Consider filing complaints with your state attorney general or the FTC. If you’re an Illinois resident with biometric data concerns after 2021, you may qualify for the pending BIPA case.

Q: Will Bumble change its policies because of these lawsuits?

The auto-renewal settlement required Bumble to enhance transparency and simplify cancellation processes during an 18-month injunction period. The first BIPA settlement required Bumble to delete previously collected biometric information and comply with BIPA going forward. However, the filing of the second BIPA lawsuit suggests potential ongoing compliance issues. Future settlements could mandate additional changes, particularly if the gender discrimination case succeeds.

Q: Can I sue Bumble individually instead of joining the class action?

Review your Bumble Terms of Service. Current terms include an arbitration agreement requiring disputes to be submitted to binding arbitration, with users having a right to opt out pursuant to Section 14. If you didn’t opt out within the specified timeframe, you may be bound to arbitration and unable to join class actions or sue individually.

Q: What happens if Bumble goes out of business before the case settles?

Settlements typically include insurance coverage and company assets. Securities fraud cases often involve D&O (Directors and Officers) insurance policies. However, company financial condition affects settlement amounts and payment ability.

This article provides general information about Bumble class action lawsuits. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney about your specific situation. Case information current as of December 2025.

Sources: Court documents from U.S. District Courts, settlement administrator websites, plaintiff law firm announcements, verified legal news coverage from Law360, Top Class Actions, and official case websites.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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