(Bloomberg) -- Grindr LLC has been notified of a 100 million-krone ($12 million) fine by the Norwegian Data Protection Authority for not complying with European data rules on consent.

Grindr shared user data with a number of third parties without legal basis, the data watchdog said in a statement on Tuesday, citing preliminary conclusions.

“Users were not able to exercise real and effective control over the sharing of their data,” said Director-General Bjorn Erik Thon.

“Grindr is seen as a safe space, and many users wish to be discrete,” he said. “Nonetheless, their data have been shared with an unknown number of third parties, and any information regarding this was hidden away.”

Last year, the Norwegian Consumer Council filed a complaint against Grindr claiming unlawful sharing of personal data with third parties for marketing purposes. The service -- described as the world’s largest social-networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people -- gave user data to third parties involved in advertising and profiling, according to the report.

The fine, which Norway said would amount to about 10% of the company’s revenue, is pending a final decision after the company has been given an opportunity to comment.

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