China removes gay-dating apps from app stores

China has quietly removed two major gay-dating apps—Blued and Finka—from both the Apple and Android app stores in the country, sparking alarm among LGBTQ+ communities over shrinking digital safe spaces. The removal affects new downloads, though users who already installed the apps can still access them. 

The move came after an official order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, according to a statement by Apple. Blued, founded in 2012, has grown to include some 40 million registered users globally, while Finka was acquired by Blued’s parent company in 2020. 

Although homosexuality is legal in China, activists warn that public visibility and civil society support for LGBTQ+ communities have been under pressure. Pride events like Shanghai Pride have been suspended, and community organizations have been forced to shut down. 

Observers say the removal of popular gay-dating apps signals an intensifying crackdown on online platforms used by sexual minorities—and a narrowing of the living and digital space available for LGBTQ+ people in China. While it remains unclear whether this is a temporary measure or part of a broader strategy, the action has already stirred concern and vocal reaction among users. 

Key Takeaways:

Major gay-dating apps Blued and Finka have been pulled from app stores in China, restricting new access while existing users retain functionality.

The removal was carried out under a directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China, illustrating increasing regulatory control over LGBTQ+ digital platforms.

Although homosexuality is legal in China, visibility and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals face growing limitations in both physical and online spaces.

Adapted From 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/11/china-removes-gay-dating-apps-blued-finka-apple-android-lgbt-rights