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Apple Pulls Blued and Finka From China App Store After Regulator’s Order

The action underscores tightening controls on LGBTQ+ platforms in China.

Overview

  • Apple said it removed the two gay dating apps from its China storefront in response to an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China.
  • Reports indicate the apps also disappeared from several Android app stores in China, while previously downloaded copies continue to work for existing users.
  • Apple noted that earlier this year Finka’s developer withdrew the app from storefronts outside China and that Blued had already been available only in China.
  • It remains unclear whether the delistings are permanent, as some apps in China have returned after making changes requested by regulators.
  • Blued’s parent BlueCity once reported tens of millions of users and acquired Finka in 2020, and the removals reduce new-user access to LGBTQ+ community spaces and health‑related services.