China urges Apple to ban LGBTQ+ dating apps

Apple Told to Remove LGBTQ+ Dating Apps by China

In a significant blow to LGBTQ+ rights in China, Apple has removed two major dating apps tailored for the community, Blued and Finka, from its iOS App Store. Reports from Wired indicate that this decision aligns with orders from the Cyberspace Administration of China, the official internet regulator which enforces extensive censorship across various sectors.

Apple confirmed to Wired that it must abide by the laws in the countries where it operates. The removal of these apps is particularly detrimental for LGBTQ+ individuals in China, where limited dating options exist. Previously, popular app Grindr was also removed from Apple’s platform in 2022, further highlighting the shrinking digital space for LGBTQ+ dating.

In recent years, China has taken increasingly stringent measures against LGBTQ+ rights, including the shuttering of organizations such as the Beijing LGBT Center in 2023. These moves reflect a broader societal crackdown, leaving many to question the future of LGBTQ+ visibility in the nation. Interestingly, Blued stopped new registrations last July, with users resorting to purchase second-hand accounts to access the platform. However, it reopened in mid-August, though its future remains uncertain.

Blued and Finka are linked through their parent company, BlueCity, which operates within the healthcare sector and runs a nonprofit focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. As LGBTQ+ rights continue to face opposition in China, the removal of these vital dating platforms serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead for the community.

As this situation evolves, readers are encouraged to voice their thoughts in the comments below or share this article to spread awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in China.