Two popular gay dating platforms removed from Apple app store in China
Posted on: Nov 12, 2025 08:25 IST | Posted by: Bbc
orchard apple tree has confirmed that it has removed ii of China's to the highest degree pop gay dating apps - Blued and Finka - from its app store in the country following an order from authorities.
"We follow the laws of the countries where we operate. Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only," an Apple spokesperson said.
The move has raised concerns amongst the LGBT community in the country.
The BBC has contacted the Chinese embassy in Washington and the companies behind both apps for comment.
A "lite" version of the Blued app remains available on Chinese app stores, according to checks by the BBC. Some other gay and bisexual dating apps are also still available in the country, like Jicco and Jack'd.
Blued is one of the most widely-used gay dating apps in China, with tens of millions of downloads.
Apple runs a separate app store in China, in accordance with the country's strict internet laws. Popular apps like Instagram and WhatsApp are not available in China.
Android device users there use locally adapted versions of the operating system as the Google Play Store is also blocked in China.
Members of the LGBT community expressed concerns about the removal of Blued and Finka, with one saying, "I hope those heterosexual policymakers can understand that love is rare - it's not something shameful or unspeakable."
In 2022, popular US-based gay dating app Grindr was removed from Apple's App Store in China shortly after the Cyberspace Administration of China began a crackdown on content it viewed as illegal and inappropriate.
The following year, the Chinese government announced new rules requiring all apps serving domestic users to register for licenses, resulting in a slew of foreign apps being removed online.
The online regulator said the rules were designed to "promote the standardised and healthy development of the internet industry."
Homosexuality was decriminalised in China in 1997, though same-sex marriages remain unrecognised.
Advocacy groups, including the Beijing LGBT Center and the ShanghaiPride, have ceased operations in China in recent years.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.