Apple has removed two prominent gay dating applications, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. A company spokesperson stated the action was taken in compliance with a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China. The removal has generated concern within the country's LGBTQ community, with one individual expressing hope that policymakers would recognize the legitimacy of love.
While the main Blued app was taken down, a simplified "lite" version remains available for download in China. Other dating apps, such as Jicco and Jack'd, are also still accessible. This incident follows a pattern, as the U.S.-based app Grindr was similarly removed in 2022. The Chinese government has recently enforced new regulations requiring all apps serving its domestic users to obtain official licenses, leading to the removal of numerous foreign applications. Authorities state these rules are intended to standardize and foster a healthy online environment. Although homosexuality is not a crime in China, the government does not recognize same-sex marriage, and several prominent LGBTQ advocacy organizations have recently ceased operations.
While the main Blued app was taken down, a simplified "lite" version remains available for download in China. Other dating apps, such as Jicco and Jack'd, are also still accessible. This incident follows a pattern, as the U.S.-based app Grindr was similarly removed in 2022. The Chinese government has recently enforced new regulations requiring all apps serving its domestic users to obtain official licenses, leading to the removal of numerous foreign applications. Authorities state these rules are intended to standardize and foster a healthy online environment. Although homosexuality is not a crime in China, the government does not recognize same-sex marriage, and several prominent LGBTQ advocacy organizations have recently ceased operations.
