Malaysia Blocks Grindr And Blued With A Wider Crackdown On Apps Expected
Malaysia has blocked access to the Grindr and Blued websites, and the government is now looking at legal options that could limit other LGBTQIA+ dating apps, too. The update was confirmed on 25 February by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in a written reply to Parliament.
So far, the move is focused on the websites. Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has not received requests to remove the mobile app versions from app stores, which is a separate step.
What the minister said
In his reply, Fahmi pointed to the limits of what Malaysia can directly control on global app platforms. He said: “Control over applications on platforms such as Google Play and Apple Store is subject to regulations and policies set by the said platform providers, since both applications are owned by foreign companies operating outside of Malaysia.”
Malay Mail reports the question raised in Parliament also name-checked other apps, including Growlr, and the ministry’s response stressed that MCMC action can include referrals to enforcement agencies such as police.
Why the apps are in the crosshairs
Malaysia’s position is grounded in local law. Sections 377A and 377B of the Penal Code criminalise “carnal intercourse against the order of nature”, with penalties that can include up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
In Fahmi’s reply, the government also framed its review around apps or features seen as violating local standards, including content described as “lewd or immoral”, as well as exploitation, scams, and threats to public safety.
What does this mean if you already use these platforms to meet people? Right now, officials are talking about website blocks and studying legal measures aimed at app access, which would likely involve requests to platform operators rather than an instant switch-off.
At DNA, we’ll be watching whether this expands beyond Grindr and Blued, because the real-world impact often depends on how enforcement plays out, not just what gets announced.
