Apple recently removed two of China's most popular gay dating apps from its app stores after receiving an order from China's main internet regulator and censorship authority. The move has left many wondering about the fate of these apps, which were once among the top-grossing apps in China.
The affected apps are Blued and Finka, both of which have been removed from the iOS App Store and several Android app stores. However, for users who already had the apps installed, they still appear to be functional. The removal of these apps comes as reports circulated on Chinese social media over the weekend.
According to Apple, the decision was made in accordance with local laws and regulations. In a statement, an Apple spokesperson clarified that the apps were not available outside of China for some time. Blued was only available in China, while Finka had been removed from app stores outside of China earlier this year.
The removal of these popular gay dating apps is just the latest development in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in China. Despite decriminalizing homosexuality in the 1990s, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized by the government. In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has tightened its control over civil society and free expression, leading to increased pressure on the country's LGBTQ+ community.
In a move that is likely to further concern the LGBTQ+ community, several prominent gay rights organizations in China have shut down, and social media companies now frequently censor LGBTQ+ content and accounts.
For Blued, this latest development follows a tumultuous few months. In July, the app suddenly stopped new user registration without explanation, leading to a black market for secondhand accounts on ecommerce websites. However, registration resumed in mid-August. The app's parent company, BlueCity, went public in 2020 and has since expanded into the healthcare sector, launching a digital pharmacy service and telehealth clinic aimed at Chinese men.
The removal of Blued and Finka from Apple's app stores raises questions about their future availability in China. While some apps have been able to return to app stores after undergoing changes requested by the Cyberspace Administration of China, it remains unclear whether this is a temporary or permanent decision.
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to navigate the challenges posed by government censorship and control, innovative app startup ideas are more important than ever. By understanding what works and what doesn't in countries like China, entrepreneurs can develop apps that cater to the unique needs of these communities while also promoting greater acceptance and understanding worldwide.