LGBTQ

Apple removed gay dating apps Blued and Finka from its Chinese iOS App Store following directives from China’s Cyberspace Administration (CAC). Apple cited compliance with local laws, stating the apps were already unavailable elsewhere. A lighter version of Blued remains. This follows the 2022 removal of Grindr and stricter app regulations in China, including mandatory registration and licensing. The CAC also requested the removal of WhatsApp and Threads in April 2024. This action reflects increased scrutiny of LGBTQ content and the challenges multinational corporations face in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes.