Amid China's attempt to clamp down on the internet, reports say Gay dating app Grindr has disappeared from app stores in the country.

The app was reportedly taken off last week. However, Grindr competitors are reportedly still available. The app is unavailable on iOS and Android app stores. China had decriminalised homosexuality in 1997 however same-sex marriages continue to be illegal in the country.

Google Play Store does not operate in China with Huawei and Tencent dominating the app marketplace. Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Chinese authorities had announced a crackdown on pornography and related web content.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-lunar-new-year-and-winter-olympics-china-vows-to-purge-internet-447764">Also Read:&nbsp;Ahead of Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics, China vows to 'purge' internet</a>

China has introduced sweeping regulations to clean up the internet even as foreign companies including LinkedIn have&nbsp;pulled out of the country.&nbsp;Epic Games had also shut down its Chinese version of Fortnite last year.

Last week, Chinese internet regulators had issued a notice calling for the protection of minors against food products which reportedly contained hints of pornography marketed as "internet celebrity snacks".&nbsp;

Earlier this month, China's cybersecurity officials had directed app providers to abide by the nation's constitution and regulations and were forbidden to conduct activity which “endangering national security, disrupting social order, or infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of others.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-make-internet-giants-take-permission-before-raising-funds-investing-446014">Also Read:&nbsp;China to make internet giants take permission before raising funds, investing</a>

The draft regulation required users of instant message services and apps to authenticate their identity through mobile phones or identity cards.

In another move to regulate the web, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) had issued regulations targeting algorithm recommendations this month. Chinese regulators had earlier fined delivery platform Meituan $533.5 million for "monopolistic practices".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid China's attempt to clamp down on the internet, reports say Gay dating app Grindr has disappeared from app stores in the country. The app was reportedly taken off last week.

Amid China's attempt to clamp down on the internet, reports say Gay dating app Grindr has disappeared from app stores in the country. The app was reportedly taken off last week. However, Grindr competitors are reportedly still available. The app is unavailable on iOS and Android app stores. China had decriminalised homosexuality in 1997 however same-sex marriages continue to be illegal in the country. Google Play Store does not operate in China with Huawei and Tencent dominating the app marketplace. Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Chinese authorities had announced a crackdown on pornography and related web content. Also Read: Ahead of Lunar New Year and Winter Olympics, China vows to 'purge' internet China has introduced sweeping regulations to clean up the internet even as foreign companies including LinkedIn have pulled out of the country. Epic Games had also shut down its Chinese version of Fortnite last year. Last week, Chinese internet regulators had issued a notice calling for the protection of minors against food products which reportedly contained hints of pornography marketed as "internet celebrity snacks". Earlier this month, China's cybersecurity officials had directed app providers to abide by the nation's constitution and regulations and were forbidden to conduct activity which “endangering national security, disrupting social order, or infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of others.” Also Read: China to make internet giants take permission before raising funds, investing The draft regulation required users of instant message services and apps to authenticate their identity through mobile phones or identity cards. In another move to regulate the web, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) had issued regulations targeting algorithm recommendations this month. Chinese regulators had earlier fined delivery platform Meituan $533.5 million for "monopolistic practices". (With inputs from Agencies)

Gay dating app Grindr disappears from China's app stores

According to reports, China's microblogging site Weibo has reportedly told users in China to drop usernames like "idiot"&nbsp;and "sissy"&nbsp;in an attempt to clean up domestic web content. 
&nbsp; 
Weibo reportedly told users their account will be suspended if they do not make the change while giving them the option to set up a new account altogether.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-mute-criticism-china-ordered-amazon-to-block-reviews-on-xi-jinpings-book-438311">Also Read:&nbsp;To mute criticism, China ordered Amazon to block reviews on Xi Jinping’s book</a>

Weibo said the majority of users who had used the usernames have changed it. “For those accounts that didn’t make the change, we have reset their usernames," it said.

The social media site which is like Twitter said it will now target "vulgar language" used on users' homepage especially in "personal profiles" and "profile pictures".

Watch:&nbsp;China uses tech giant Huawei for surveillance?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-uses-tech-giant-huawei-for-surveillance-437289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China's Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has crackdown on domestic internet giants in recent months. CAC had earlier imposed a fine of $470,000 on Weibo over alleged publication of illegal information. The Chinese regulator said the company had violated the country's cybersecurity law on the protection of minors.

Weibo replied saying it "sincerely accepts criticism". CAS had earlier crackdown on China's "fan culture" online and banned online companies which&nbsp;promoted celebrities while setting up rigid new rules for companies to follow.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=This+is+how+Huawei+is+associated+with+China%E2%80%99s+state+surveillance">Also Read:&nbsp;This is how Huawei is associated with China’s state surveillance</a>

CAC had also pulled up a movie review site Douban over "unlawful release of information" as it continued to target domestic companies.

A few days ago, Microsoft Corp's search engine Bing said the Chinese government had asked it to close its auto-suggestion feature for 30 days. Microsoft's LinkedIn had already announced it was closing operations in China two months ago over "challenging operating environment" and compliance issues.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to reports, China's microblogging site Weibo has reportedly told users in China to drop usernames like "idiot" and "sissy" in an attempt to clean up domestic web content.

According to reports, China's microblogging site Weibo has reportedly told users in China to drop usernames like "idiot" and "sissy" in an attempt to clean up domestic web content. Weibo reportedly told users their account will be suspended if they do not make the change while giving them the option to set up a new account altogether. Also Read: To mute criticism, China ordered Amazon to block reviews on Xi Jinping’s book Weibo said the majority of users who had used the usernames have changed it. “For those accounts that didn’t make the change, we have reset their usernames," it said. The social media site which is like Twitter said it will now target "vulgar language" used on users' homepage especially in "personal profiles" and "profile pictures". Watch: China uses tech giant Huawei for surveillance? China's Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has crackdown on domestic internet giants in recent months. CAC had earlier imposed a fine of $470,000 on Weibo over alleged publication of illegal information. The Chinese regulator said the company had violated the country's cybersecurity law on the protection of minors. Weibo replied saying it "sincerely accepts criticism". CAS had earlier crackdown on China's "fan culture" online and banned online companies which promoted celebrities while setting up rigid new rules for companies to follow. Also Read: This is how Huawei is associated with China’s state surveillance CAC had also pulled up a movie review site Douban over "unlawful release of information" as it continued to target domestic companies. A few days ago, Microsoft Corp's search engine Bing said the Chinese government had asked it to close its auto-suggestion feature for 30 days. Microsoft's LinkedIn had already announced it was closing operations in China two months ago over "challenging operating environment" and compliance issues. (With inputs from Agencies)

China's microblogging site Weibo drops 'idiot', 'sissy' usernames

China continued its crackdown on the internet directing online platforms to ensure it does not mislead users as it sought to register and review advertisers and adverts.

The new rules which are open for discussion till December 25 seeks to ban advertisements aimed at minors which promote&nbsp;online games, cosmetics and medical treatments.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-chinese-cyber-regulators-to-monitor-celebrity-information-431459">Also Read:&nbsp;Now, Chinese cyber regulators to monitor celebrity information</a>

China state administration for market regulation said that advertisement standards should "meet the requirements for the establishment of socialist spiritual civilisation and the promotion of an excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation."

The Xi regime has increasingly crackdown on domestic internet companies including e-commerce giant Alibaba, tech giant Tencent and food-delivery app Meituan in the past year while bringing in new regulations.

Report claim authorities in China have asked Tencent to stop the launch of new apps as it reviews compliance regulations.

Chinese cyber watchdog had earlier launched an investigation on ride-hailing giant Didi over cybersecurity issues just days after it listed at the New York stock exchange.&nbsp;Reports now claim Chinese regulators have asked Didi to delist from the US stock exchange.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-year-since-jack-mas-speech-alibaba-has-lost-344-billion-report-423908">Also Read:&nbsp;One year since Jack Ma's speech, Alibaba has lost $344 billion</a>

Chinese regulators had earlier directed apps to ensure protection of personal privacy information of their users by disclosing what kind of information was being collected and to ensure that they obtain consent from their users.

(With inputs from Agencies)

China continued its crackdown on the internet directing online platforms to ensure it does not mislead users as it sought to register and review advertisers and adverts.

China continued its crackdown on the internet directing online platforms to ensure it does not mislead users as it sought to register and review advertisers and adverts. The new rules which are open for discussion till December 25 seeks to ban advertisements aimed at minors which promote online games, cosmetics and medical treatments. Also Read: Now, Chinese cyber regulators to monitor celebrity information China state administration for market regulation said that advertisement standards should "meet the requirements for the establishment of socialist spiritual civilisation and the promotion of an excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation." The Xi regime has increasingly crackdown on domestic internet companies including e-commerce giant Alibaba, tech giant Tencent and food-delivery app Meituan in the past year while bringing in new regulations. Report claim authorities in China have asked Tencent to stop the launch of new apps as it reviews compliance regulations. Chinese cyber watchdog had earlier launched an investigation on ride-hailing giant Didi over cybersecurity issues just days after it listed at the New York stock exchange. Reports now claim Chinese regulators have asked Didi to delist from the US stock exchange. Also Read: One year since Jack Ma's speech, Alibaba has lost $344 billion Chinese regulators had earlier directed apps to ensure protection of personal privacy information of their users by disclosing what kind of information was being collected and to ensure that they obtain consent from their users. (With inputs from Agencies)

Now, Chinese regulators draft online ad rules amid internet crackdown

Reports claim Chinese authorities have decided to control online information connected to celebrities as the Xi regime continues to crack down on the free flow of information on the internet.

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has reportedly set rules for celebrities including on how they should advertise.

The regular reportedly hit out against “abnormal aesthetics” and the "supremacy" of the internet to clamp down on the online lives of Chinese celebrities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinese-regulators-suggested-ride-hailing-giant-didi-delay-its-us-ipo-report-396087">Also Read:&nbsp;One year since Jack Ma's speech, Alibaba has lost $344 billion</a>

Reports say fan groups will also be regulated as they would be managed by celebrity agents. The move is reportedly aimed at tackling "fandom".

Last week the CAA had moved to address "chaotic dissemination" of news by updating the list of internet news providers whose content can be reprinted.

Chinese regulator Xie Dengke while citing President Xi's earlier speech had said the media should relay "positive energy" while highlighting data-security issues. The CAC had earlier attacked the country's bloggers for allegedly spreading negative news content on the economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinese-regulators-suggested-ride-hailing-giant-didi-delay-its-us-ipo-report-396087">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese regulators suggested ride-hailing giant Didi delay its US IPO</a>

CAC chief &nbsp;Zhuang Rongwen had said that good cyberspace habits should be developed among young users while stating that efforts were being made to build a "civilised" internet.

China has cracked down heavily on domestic internet providers including e-commerce giant Alibaba and Tencent. Regulators had earlier decided to regulate gaming among minors with Chinese digital firms increasingly facing the wrath of internet authorities.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports claim Chinese authorities have decided to control online information connected to celebrities as the Xi regime continues to crack down on the free flow of information on the internet.

Reports claim Chinese authorities have decided to control online information connected to celebrities as the Xi regime continues to crack down on the free flow of information on the internet. The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has reportedly set rules for celebrities including on how they should advertise. The regular reportedly hit out against “abnormal aesthetics” and the "supremacy" of the internet to clamp down on the online lives of Chinese celebrities. Also Read: One year since Jack Ma's speech, Alibaba has lost $344 billion Reports say fan groups will also be regulated as they would be managed by celebrity agents. The move is reportedly aimed at tackling "fandom". Last week the CAA had moved to address "chaotic dissemination" of news by updating the list of internet news providers whose content can be reprinted. Chinese regulator Xie Dengke while citing President Xi's earlier speech had said the media should relay "positive energy" while highlighting data-security issues. The CAC had earlier attacked the country's bloggers for allegedly spreading negative news content on the economy. Also Read: Chinese regulators suggested ride-hailing giant Didi delay its US IPO CAC chief Zhuang Rongwen had said that good cyberspace habits should be developed among young users while stating that efforts were being made to build a "civilised" internet. China has cracked down heavily on domestic internet providers including e-commerce giant Alibaba and Tencent. Regulators had earlier decided to regulate gaming among minors with Chinese digital firms increasingly facing the wrath of internet authorities. (With inputs from Agencies)

Now, Chinese cyber regulators to monitor celebrity information

Chinese authorities have reportedly drafted a&nbsp;regulation which would punish people who help internet users bypass its "Great firewall" and provide access to content not passed by regulators.

The proposed rule is still under consultation. It was unveiled over the weekend as China continues its clampdown on internet freedom.

The development comes as US tech giant Microsoft announced last month that it will be closing its career social site LinkedIn over "challenging operating environment".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chinese-internet-watchdog-says-33-mobile-apps-broke-data-privacy-rules-382522">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese internet watchdog says 33 mobile apps broke data privacy rules</a>

Microsoft said it was facing "compliance requirements" in China. The company's career site was launched in 2014.&nbsp;

China's "Great Firewall" has increasingly become the focus of international attention after authorities restricted local internet giants accusing them of monopolistic practices and failing to ensure privacy of users.

Watch:&nbsp;Dissident Chinese artist highlights China's poor record

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China's social media giant Tencent had taken a hit in revenues after regulatory crackdown. Last month, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) had said large platforms needed to do more to ensure data protection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/one-year-since-jack-mas-speech-alibaba-has-lost-344-billion-report-423908">Also Read:&nbsp;One year since Jack Ma's speech, Alibaba has lost $344 billion</a>

The SAMR instructed the "super-large platforms" with over 500 million users not to take data from users without their consent as it targeted the big local giants Tencent and Alibaba.

Last year Chinese regulators had launched an anti-trust investigation into Alibaba's founder Jack Ma's business and had suspended his&nbsp;multi-billion dollar IPO of his fintech firm Ant Group. China's e-commerce giant faced a massive $2.75 billion fine as Ma's net worth plunged.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-issues-draft-guidelines-for-internet-recommendation-algorithms-408694">Also Read:&nbsp;China issues draft guidelines for internet recommendation algorithms</a>

Authorities took the step after Ma reportedly said in a speech that the country's financial watchdogs were stifling innovation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese authorities have reportedly drafted a regulation which would punish people who help internet users bypass its "Great firewall" and provide access to content not passed by regulators.

Chinese authorities have reportedly drafted a regulation which would punish people who help internet users bypass its "Great firewall" and provide access to content not passed by regulators. The proposed rule is still under consultation. It was unveiled over the weekend as China continues its clampdown on internet freedom. The development comes as US tech giant Microsoft announced last month that it will be closing its career social site LinkedIn over "challenging operating environment". Also Read: Chinese internet watchdog says 33 mobile apps broke data privacy rules Microsoft said it was facing "compliance requirements" in China. The company's career site was launched in 2014. China's "Great Firewall" has increasingly become the focus of international attention after authorities restricted local internet giants accusing them of monopolistic practices and failing to ensure privacy of users. Watch: Dissident Chinese artist highlights China's poor record China's social media giant Tencent had taken a hit in revenues after regulatory crackdown. Last month, China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) had said large platforms needed to do more to ensure data protection. Also Read: One year since Jack Ma's speech, Alibaba has lost $344 billion The SAMR instructed the "super-large platforms" with over 500 million users not to take data from users without their consent as it targeted the big local giants Tencent and Alibaba. Last year Chinese regulators had launched an anti-trust investigation into Alibaba's founder Jack Ma's business and had suspended his multi-billion dollar IPO of his fintech firm Ant Group. China's e-commerce giant faced a massive $2.75 billion fine as Ma's net worth plunged. Also Read: China issues draft guidelines for internet recommendation algorithms Authorities took the step after Ma reportedly said in a speech that the country's financial watchdogs were stifling innovation. (With inputs from Agencies)

Now, China targets individuals who help users bypass 'Great Firewall'