Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Apple Removes Gay Dating Apps in China on Government Order
Apple, the company that makes iPhones, had to remove two popular apps from China that people used to find dates.
These apps, called Blued and Finka, are for gay people.
Apple said that China's government told them to take the apps down.
Apple explained that they have to follow the rules in every country they do business in.
Even though being gay is not a crime in China anymore, the government is still controlling apps and content related to the LGBTQ+ community.
This is similar to when another gay dating app, Grindr, was removed from the Chinese app store in 2022.
Some versions of Blued and other similar apps are still available.
Apple removed two popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China.
The removal was a result of an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China.
Apple stated it complies with the laws of the countries where it operates.
A 'lite' version of Blued and other gay dating apps remain available on Chinese app stores.
This action follows a pattern of increased scrutiny and removals of LGBTQ+-related content and apps in China, including Grindr in 2022.
- Who
- Apple, Cyberspace Administration of China, Blued, Finka
- What
- Apple removed two popular gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China.
- When
- The apps were found to be unavailable recently (exact date not specified, but implied to be recent).
- Where
- China
- Why
- Apple stated it was based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, as Apple follows the laws in the countries where it operates.
Apple's Stance
Chinese Government's Actions
Reason for App Removal
Apple's Stance
Apple stated it removed the apps based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, asserting compliance with local laws.
Chinese Government's Actions
The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of the apps, indicating a desire to regulate content deemed inappropriate or illegal.
App Availability
Apple's Stance
Apple removed Blued and Finka from its China storefront.
Chinese Government's Actions
A 'lite' version of Blued, along with other gay dating apps like Jicco and Jack'd, remains available on Chinese app stores.
- Affected Apps
- Blued, Finka
- Ordering Authority
- Cyberspace Administration of China
- App Store Region
- China
- Apple's Justification
- Compliance with local laws
- Previous Similar Removals
- Grindr (2022)
- Legal Status of Homosexuality in China
- Decriminalised since 1997
