Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China following an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country’s internet regulator and censorship authority. This move represents a significant setback for China’s LGBTQ+ community, which already faces considerable restrictions on expression and rights compared to heterosexual individuals.
While Apple maintains that it complies with local laws in all its operating regions, stating, “We follow the laws in the countries where we operate,” this decision drew swift criticism given its implications for a marginalized group. The company explained, “Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only.”
Blued and Finka were the leading gay dating apps in China according to The China Project. Their removal comes just a year after Grindr, another popular LGBTQ+ app, was also pulled from the Chinese App Store. Despite their removal, users who had already downloaded the apps reported continued functionality on their devices.
This action starkly contrasts with Apple CEO Tim Cook’s widely publicized advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In a 2014 personal essay, Cook, who came out as gay, wrote about his own experiences and highlighted the challenges faced by marginalized communities. He stated, “Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority… I don’t consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I’ve benefited from the sacrifice of others.” Cook went on to emphasize Apple’s commitment to equality: “The company I am so fortunate to lead has long advocated for human rights and equality for all… We’ll continue to fight for our values.”
Apple has further underscored its support for LGBTQ+ inclusion through initiatives like releasing “Pride Edition” accessories during Pride Month and making donations to LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. This latest development in China, however, raises serious questions about the limits of these commitments when faced with stringent censorship demands in certain markets.
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between global corporations seeking to expand into emerging markets and upholding their stated values concerning human rights and social inclusion.
