Chinese authorities have ordered the removal of gay dating apps from the App Store

The authorities in China have ordered the removal of two popular dating apps for men, Blued and Finka, from the App Store, according to a statement from Apple. This action is part of a broader campaign to suppress LGBTQ+ voices in China, which has intensified under President Xi Jinping's leadership. Human rights activists accuse the authorities of censoring events and publications related to the LGBTQ+ community.

The removal of the apps was carried out following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, which announced a campaign against content deemed negative. Although the full versions of the apps have been removed, a "light" version of Blued remains available, and the international app HeeSay continues to be accessible outside of China. This measure joins other previous actions, such as the removal of the Grindr app from the Chinese online store in 2022.