Why Were Two Popular Gay Dating Apps Banned from the Apple App Store in China?

Apple has confirmed the removal of the popular gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its China app store following a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China. This decision has sparked significant concern within the LGBT community in China, highlighting ongoing tensions around internet censorship and LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a recent development, Apple has acted on an order from Chinese authorities, resulting in the removal of two major gay dating apps—Blued and Finka—from its app store specifically for users in China. An Apple spokesperson stated, "We follow the laws of the countries where we operate," emphasising compliance with local regulations. While a "lite" version of Blued remains accessible, the full functionalities of both apps are now unavailable to Chinese users, reflecting the stringent internet governance in the country.

Key takeaways

Apple removed Blued and Finka from its China app store due to government orders.
The move raises concerns among the LGBT community regarding censorship and rights.
Despite the removals, some other gay dating apps like Jicco and Jack'd remain available.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the broader context of these events requires a timeline of significant developments in Chinese internet regulation and LGBT rights:

1997: Homosexuality is decriminalised in China, marking a significant step towards greater acceptance.
2022: The popular gay dating app Grindr is removed from Apple's App Store in China, amid increasing government scrutiny.
2023 (September): The Cyberspace Administration of China issues an order leading to the removal of Blued and Finka.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Apple's confirmation of the removal of Blued and Finka marks a significant escalation in the ongoing crackdown on digital content deemed inappropriate by Chinese authorities. This action reflects a broader trend of increasing censorship in the realm of LGBTQ+ online spaces, driven by government policy.

What was already established

Prior to these removals, there had been a noticeable trend of foreign apps being restricted or removed in China following new regulations requiring all domestic apps to register for licenses. This regulatory environment has been detrimental to the availability of LGBTQ+ resources and spaces online.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the direct impact on UK consumers may seem limited, the situation highlights the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face globally, including in countries with strict censorship laws. Awareness of these issues can foster greater advocacy and support for human rights initiatives worldwide.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses operating in China, the removal of apps like Blued and Finka signifies the risks associated with compliance to local laws that may conflict with global values, particularly around diversity and inclusion. Companies must navigate these complexities carefully, balancing the need to operate within legal frameworks while also supporting their values.

Policy and regulation

The Chinese government's strict regulations on internet content directly shape the operational landscape for international companies. Such policies not only limit user access to diverse viewpoints but also stifle innovation and the growth of niche markets, including those for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Numbers that matter

10 million+: The estimated number of downloads for Blued, indicating its popularity within the Chinese gay community.
2: The number of gay dating apps removed from the Apple App Store in China as of September 2023.
1997: The year homosexuality was decriminalised in China, a milestone that still contrasts with the lack of recognition for same-sex marriage today.

Definitions and jargon buster

Blued: A popular gay dating app in China, featuring a social network for gay men.
Finka: Another dating app for the LGBTQ+ community, recently removed from the Chinese app store.
Cyberspace Administration of China: The governmental body responsible for regulating internet content and activities in China.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, users of Blued and Finka may seek alternative platforms for connecting with the LGBTQ+ community, while advocacy groups will likely ramp up efforts to address the growing issues of censorship and discrimination.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, it will be crucial to monitor the response from the LGBT community and any potential shifts in government policy. Increased advocacy and international attention could influence future regulations.

Signals to watch

Monitoring announcements from the Chinese government regarding further internet regulations.
Responses from advocacy groups and potential legal challenges to the removals.
Changes in user engagement on alternative platforms catering to the LGBT community in China.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the latest developments in internet regulations within China and other regions.
Support advocacy groups working towards LGBT rights both locally and globally.
Explore alternative platforms that may serve the LGBT community without facing the same restrictions.

Don’t

Do not assume that all apps will remain available; be proactive in seeking alternatives.
Refrain from spreading misinformation about the status of LGBT rights in China.
Neglect the importance of supporting platforms that promote diversity and inclusion.

Checklist

Verify the availability of alternative dating apps in China.
Follow updates from reputable human rights organisations regarding LGBT rights in China.
Engage with communities that advocate for LGBT rights and awareness.
Consider the implications of censorship laws in your understanding of digital platforms.
Educate yourself and others about the realities of LGBT life in countries with restrictive laws.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the situation evolves, uncertainties remain surrounding the long-term implications of these removals. Advocacy groups may face increased pressure from the Chinese government, leading to further restrictions on their operations. Additionally, the effectiveness of international pressure to influence Chinese policy remains to be seen, as does the potential for the emergence of new apps that could navigate these regulations while serving the LGBT community.

Bottom line

The recent removal of Blued and Finka from Apple's app store in China underscores ongoing tensions between government regulation and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. This situation not only affects users in China but also serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by global companies operating in restrictive environments. The removal of these apps raises important questions about digital rights, freedom of expression, and the need for continued advocacy for equality.

FAQs

Why were Blued and Finka removed from the app store?

Blued and Finka were removed from Apple's app store in China following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, which regulates internet content deemed inappropriate.

What is the status of LGBTQ+ rights in China?

While homosexuality was decriminalised in 1997, same-sex marriages remain unrecognised in China, and the LGBT community faces significant challenges, including censorship.

Are there alternatives to Blued and Finka for dating in China?

Yes, some other gay dating apps like Jicco and Jack'd are still available in China, providing alternatives for the LGBTQ+ community.