Beijing: Apple has removed two popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China after the company received an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China.
The removal has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who say it represents a setback for the country’s LGBTQ+ community.
Apple has said that it complies with laws in countries where it operates. According to reports, the directive came from China’s internet regulator and censorship authority. The apps have remained functional on devices where they were previously downloaded but are no longer available for new users on the China App Store.
Blued and Finka are considered the two largest dating apps for gay people in China. Their removal has been seen as another example of how digital spaces for LGBTQ+ communities are being restricted. Grindr, another global dating platform, was removed from Apple’s China App Store in 2022 following similar regulatory pressure.
Homosexuality was decriminalised in China in 1997, but same-sex marriage remains unrecognised. Authorities also enforce strict content regulations that ban the depiction of LGBTQ+ themes in films and television. The removal of these apps has raised concerns about freedom of expression and access to safe digital platforms for sexual minorities in the country.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who came out as gay in 2014, has been a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion. Cook has said that personal experiences have deepened the understanding of minority challenges and reinforced Apple’s commitment to equality. The company continues to promote LGBTQ+ visibility through initiatives such as Pride-themed product launches and donations to global advocacy groups.
However, critics argue that Apple’s actions in China highlight the tension between business compliance and the company’s stated human rights values. Analysts have noted that China is one of Apple’s largest markets, making regulatory conformity a priority for the company.
The latest move has prompted debate over whether global technology companies can balance ethical commitments with operational constraints in markets where censorship and social restrictions remain widespread.
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