Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps from its App Store in China following an order from the country’s internet regulator, raising concerns about censorship and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals within China.
Blued and Finka, which dominate the market for gay dating services in China according to The China Project, vanished from the Chinese App Store without warning. Apple confirmed the removals, stating in a brief statement: “Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only.”
This action follows a similar incident in 2022 when Grindr, another popular global gay dating app, was also pulled from the Chinese App Store. While users who already downloaded Blued and Finka can still reportedly access them on their devices, this latest move signifies a tightening grip on online content considered sensitive by the Chinese government.
The removals represent a blow to China’s LGBTQ+ community, which faces ongoing discrimination despite homosexuality being decriminalized in 1997. Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized in China, and stringent censorship laws prevent openly LGBTQ+ themes from appearing in films and television shows.
This situation highlights the complex position Apple finds itself in when operating within countries with restrictive internet policies. While CEO Tim Cook has emerged as a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights globally, famously coming out publicly in 2014, Apple often prioritizes compliance with local laws over potentially challenging them, even when those laws infringe upon basic human rights.
In his personal essay announcing his sexuality, Cook wrote: “Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day.” He further emphasized Apple’s commitment to inclusivity and fighting for equality, stating: “We’ll continue to fight for our values…and I believe that any CEO of this incredible company, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, would do the same.”
Despite these pronouncements, Apple’s actions in China seemingly contradict its stated values. The company has made gestures towards LGBTQ+ inclusivity elsewhere, such as releasing “Pride Edition” accessories during Pride Month and supporting advocacy groups. However, the recent removal of gay dating apps casts a shadow on these efforts, raising questions about how far Apple is truly willing to go in defending marginalized communities when faced with geopolitical pressure.
