Purge of popular same-sex dating sites from app stores fuels fears about shrinking digital spaces for the country’s LGBTQ community.
The apps, both owned by Hong Kong-based BlueCity Holdings Ltd, were first noticed missing by Chinese social media users last weekend. Apple confirmed the removals in a statement sent to the South China Morning Post on Thursday, explaining that it follows the laws in the countries where it operates.
“Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only. Earlier this year, the developer of Finka elected to remove the app from storefronts outside China, and Blued was available only in China,” the statement said.
The Post contacted the apps’ administrators and the CAC for comment via phone and email but has not yet received a response.
On Friday, only a simplified version of Blued was still available on Apple’s App Store in China, while an international version called HeeSay could be accessed in its app stores outside China.
Authorities have not provided a reason for ordering the apps removed, but a source close to the matter told the Post that he believed it was due to pornographic and vulgar content.
Regardless of the reasons, the removal of the apps is expected to have an impact on the community. Taylor Le Cui, a New Zealand-based sociologist specialising in Chinese LGBTQ issues, said gay apps played a crucial role in the lives of the queer community in China, supporting identity development, social relationships and community networks.
“Chinese queer people often rely on these apps as one of the few tools to connect with others and to be visible within their community. Without such tools, many may feel lonely and isolated, facing greater challenges in affirming their queer identity and seeking support,” he said.
Should the removal of the two most popular gay apps in China from online stores be permanent, it could signal further tightening of queer spaces in the country, he said.
