Hungary: Issued fine by Competition Authority (GVA) on Spark Networks Services GmbH for misleading customers through advertisement

On 19 December 2023, the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVA) fined Spark Networks Services GmbH, the operator of the online dating platform "Elite Partner", HUF 169 million for misleading its customers through advertisement. The GVA concluded that Spark Networks Services GmbH concealed essential features and provided deceptive information about its user base. The investigation determined that the company failed to disclose on its website and Android app that free registration does not enable meaningful matchmaking without a subscription. Additionally, the company provided misleading information about the available user base, claiming "15 million active members worldwide" and "Monthly 800'000 new members." The GVH found that these statements did not represent an accessible user base for Hungarian users and did not accurately reflect the number of active members. The fine was reduced by nearly half because of the company's cooperation and for admitting its wrongdoing.