China’s digital landscape for the LGBTQ+ community has taken a significant hit following a government directive to remove two of the country’s most popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from major mobile app stores. The move, issued by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), reflects Beijing’s increasing control over online content and digital expression.
Both Blued and Finka, which together served millions of registered users, were immediately pulled from platforms including the Apple App Store and various Android stores in China. Apple confirmed the removal, stating that it must comply with local laws in the countries where it operates. The disappearance of these apps follows a broader pattern of censorship; international LGBTQ+ dating platforms like Grindr had already been removed from Chinese app stores in 2022.
For many members of China’s LGBTQ+ community, these apps were more than just dating platforms—they provided critical digital spaces for connection, support, and access to health resources such as HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives. The removal has intensified digital isolation for millions, pushing users into less secure or visible online spaces. This latest action is part of a wider crackdown that includes the closure of gay rights organizations and frequent censorship of LGBTQ+ content across social media. Despite homosexuality being decriminalized in 1997, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and content related to LGBTQ+ issues is often labeled “vulgar” or removed under broad content regulations.
The future of Blued and Finka in China remains uncertain. Some apps previously removed have returned after making government-mandated changes, but the current environment suggests continued efforts to limit LGBTQ+ digital expression. This development raises important questions about the balance global tech companies must strike between their principles of inclusion and compliance with strict local laws, as well as the broader implications for digital freedom and human rights in restrictive regimes.
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