Censorship Hits Home: Apple Pulls Popular Gay Dating Apps in China!

In a stunning move, Apple has confirmed the removal of two leading gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its China app store, following an official order from Chinese authorities. Apple stated, “We follow the laws of the countries where we operate,” highlighting their compliance with local regulations set forth by the Cyberspace Administration of China. This decision has sparked outrage and concern within the LGBT community, many of whom fear the diminishing safe spaces for queer people in the nation.

While the full versions of these apps are no longer accessible, a ’lite’ version of Blued remains available. Other apps catering to the gay and bisexual community, such as Jicco and Jack’d, continue to operate in China. With Blued boasting tens of millions of downloads, its removal marks a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on digital spaces for the LGBT community in China.

The online landscape in China is complex; popular platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp are banned, forcing users to rely on domestic alternatives. This is not an isolated incident - in 2022, the app Grindr was removed under similar circumstances when the Cyberspace Administration escalated efforts against what it deems inappropriate content. The Chinese government is expanding control over app availability, insisting that all apps with domestic users must secure licenses, an action many interpret as a targeting of foreignness and LGBTQ visibility.

Despite decriminalization of homosexuality in 1997, same-sex marriages remain unrecognized, and advocacy groups like the Beijing LGBT Center and Shanghai Pride have halted operations, reflecting increasing tensions regarding LGBT rights. Activists are urging policymakers to comprehend that love is universal and should not be stigmatized or silenced.