China Removes Two Major Gay Dating Apps from Stores
Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its app store in China. This action follows a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China. An Apple representative stated, “We follow the laws of the countries where we operate.”
Impact on the LGBT Community in China
The removal of these apps has alarmed members of the LGBT community in China. Despite the absence of Blued and Finka, a lighter version of the Blued app remains available. Other dating platforms such as Jicco and Jack’d continue to operate in the country.
Statistics on Blued
Blued is among the most popular gay dating platforms in China, boasting tens of millions of downloads. This substantial user base illustrates the demand for such services within the community.
The Regulatory Landscape for Apps in China
Apple operates its app store in China under stringent internet laws. Major global social media platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, are unavailable in the region. Moreover, Android users work with modified versions of the operating system, as Google Play is also inaccessible in China.
Concerns were voiced by LGBT advocates following the app removals. One user remarked, “I hope those heterosexual policymakers can understand that love is rare – it’s not something shameful or unspeakable.”
History of App Removals
- In 2022, Grindr was removed from the App Store in response to the Cyberspace Administration’s crackdown.
- In subsequent years, the Chinese government mandated that all apps serving its users acquire licenses.
- This regulation led to a significant number of foreign apps being removed from the digital space.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, yet same-sex marriages are not legally recognized. In recent years, numerous advocacy organizations, like the Beijing LGBT Center, have ceased their operations due to escalating governmental scrutiny.
Conclusion
The removal of Blued and Finka highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT community in China. As regulations tighten, the future of gay dating apps in the country remains uncertain.
