Apple removes gay dating apps in China, sparking community concerns
What's the story
Apple has removed two of China's most popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from the App Store following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC). An Apple spokesperson confirmed the action, saying they comply with local laws in every country where they operate. The decision has sparked concerns among members of China's LGBT community. "I hope those heterosexual policymakers can understand that love is rare—it's not something shameful or unspeakable," said a member of the LGBT community.
App availability
Other gay apps still accessible
Despite the removal of Blued and Finka, a "lite" version of the former still remains on Chinese app stores. Other gay and bisexual dating apps such as Jicco and Jack'd are also still accessible in China. Apple operates a separate app store in China, complying with the country's stringent internet regulations. Android users in China also have to use local versions of the operating system as Google Play Store is blocked there.
App restrictions
Precedent for app removals
In 2022, Grindr, a popular US-based gay dating app, was removed from Apple's App Store in China after the CAC started cracking down on content it deemed illegal. The following year, new rules mandated all apps serving domestic users to obtain licenses, leading to the removal of many foreign apps. Advocacy groups like Beijing LGBT Center and ShanghaiPride have also shut down operations in China amid these restrictions.