Overview
- Apple confirmed it removed Blued and Finka from the China App Store following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, with reports noting the apps also vanished from several Android stores.
- Users who already have the apps installed in China can still use them, and Apple said the removals apply only to its China storefront.
- Apple noted Finka was previously withdrawn from stores outside China by its developer and that Blued had been available only in China.
- Authorities have not publicly detailed the legal basis for the takedowns, though a source told CNN the apps were accused of hosting pornography or “vulgar content,” a claim not officially confirmed.
- It remains unclear if the removals are permanent, as past cases show apps can return after meeting regulator demands; reports said a lighter Blued “express” version stayed on Apple’s China store and both apps were downloadable via their official websites.