Apple Removes Gay Dating Apps from Chinese iOS Store Following Government Orders
Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its Chinese iOS store after receiving directives from the Cyberspace Administration of China. The tech giant confirmed the action, emphasizing compliance with local regulations. A pared-down version of Blued remains accessible in China, while the full apps had already been unavailable in other markets.
The MOVE aligns with Beijing's broader crackdown on digital platforms, mirroring past removals of apps like WhatsApp, Threads, and Grindr. China's regulatory framework mandates all apps serving domestic users to obtain government licenses, reflecting tightening control over online content.
Apple shares continue to demonstrate resilience, buoyed by strong Q4 earnings driven by iPhone 17 demand and robust Services revenue growth. The company's stock performance remains unaffected by recent regulatory actions in China.
