Apple Removes Gay Dating Apps in China – Science and Technology Times

Blued and Finka pulled under government order

Apple has confirmed that it removed two of China’s largest gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its app store following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China. The company said it complies with local laws in all countries where it operates but did not provide further details. A check by the Associated Press found that both apps were unavailable in China, although a limited “express” version of Blued remained accessible. It is unclear how this version differs from the full app or whether Android alternatives are still available.

Growing Pressure on LGBTQ+ Platforms

Blued and Finka share the same parent company, BlueCity, which has focused on serving LGBTQ+ communities in China and abroad. BlueCity was delisted from the Nasdaq in 2022 and taken private, reflecting broader challenges for LGBTQ+ businesses in the region. Grindr, another popular gay dating app, was removed from Apple’s Chinese app store in 2022 under similar circumstances. Despite homosexuality being decriminalized in China in 1997, advocacy groups have faced increasing restrictions and some have been forced to shut down.

Authorities have tightened oversight of LGBTQ+ organizations, limiting activism and online visibility. The removal of these apps highlights the shrinking space for digital platforms catering to marginalized communities. Apple’s compliance with government orders underscores the influence of Chinese regulators on global technology firms. The decision also reflects the balancing act foreign companies face between adhering to local laws and supporting user freedoms.

Apple’s Compliance with Chinese Regulations

Apple has previously removed other apps from its Chinese store, including WhatsApp and Threads, under government directives. Analysts note that Apple rarely resists takedown requests, given the importance of the Chinese market for iPhone sales. George Chen of The Asia Group said Apple is among the most willing foreign tech companies to comply with Chinese internet regulations. He added that the company’s reliance on Chinese consumers makes pushback unlikely.

The removals demonstrate how global tech firms adapt to local regulatory environments, even when it affects access to widely used services. Apple’s actions are consistent with its stated policy of following national laws. However, critics argue that such compliance can contribute to the suppression of digital rights. The tension between business interests and social responsibility remains a recurring theme in Apple’s operations in China.

Impact on Users and Community

For LGBTQ+ users in China, the loss of Blued and Finka reduces access to platforms that provided social connections and support. Advocacy groups warn that these restrictions further isolate communities already facing limited public recognition. The continued availability of Blued’s “express” version suggests some services may remain, though in reduced form. Finka’s developer had already removed the app outside China earlier this year, signaling broader challenges for its future.