REST OF WORLD – China's premier gay dating app, Blued, aims to surpass Grindr on the global stage despite facing domestic challenges due to censorship and competition. Founded in 2012 by Ma Baoli, Blued successfully navigated China's tight restrictions by aligning with state public health initiatives, offering HIV prevention and health services. Blued's parent company, BlueCity, went public in 2020 but faced profitability challenges. After a takeover by Newborn Town, Blued is focusing on expansion in Southeast Asia and the U.S., with plans to become the world's largest LGBTQIA social network. However, the app faces skepticism about its global prospects, particularly in saturated Western markets. The company is also likely to face scrutiny over data privacy and security as it expands in the West, particularly in light of previous concerns around Grindr's Chinese ownership.
by Viola Zhou & Andrew Deck
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