World’s Largest Gay Dating App in Trouble for Underage Users and Surge in HIV Rates
January 9, 2019Blued, the world’s largest gay dating app (thanks to its massive popularity in China), has come under fire for failing to stop underage users logging on and for being partly responsible for a surge in new HIV diagnosis, reports South China Morning Postand Caixin.
The app has promised to investigate claims put forward by Caixin that there has been a rise in underage users. Several teenage boys have also told the publication they were pressured into having sex with older men.
“I warned Blued’s founder to make efforts to prevent minors from using the app,” said Peng Xiaohui, from the China Sexology Association.
“Now the report has proved my worries to be true... the app must take responsibility to protect minors and abide by the law.”
Many are worried these new underage users are also not properly versed in safe sex, leading to a rise in HIV rates in the region.
In response, Blued has released a statement: “Blued was founded to provide a more transparent, proactive and healthy online home for the minority. We have met with difficulties and challenges and we will continue improving.
“Blued has always forbidden juveniles from logging on to and using the app.”
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