Malaysia’s push to curb LGBTQ dating apps like Grindr tests limits of internet control
Officials are examining legislative steps to curb apps like Grindr, though removal from global stores is beyond direct state control
Authorities have already blocked access to the websites of Grindr and Blued – two internationally used dating apps popular among gay, bisexual and queer men – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a written parliamentary reply.
But while their websites have been blocked, the Grindr and Blued apps themselves remain available for download in Malaysia through Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the country’s internet regulator, was “examining several legislative measures to curb these applications”, Fahmi said on Tuesday.
However, he acknowledged that control over apps listed on the two global app stores was subject to the policies of the foreign-owned companies that operated them.
The distinction underlines a practical limit: while Kuala Lumpur can restrict access to websites domestically, removing an app from major app stores would require cooperation from Apple and Google.