Malaysia blocks Grindr, Blued amid rising LGBTQ restrictions

Malaysia has blocked access to LGBTQ networking and dating sites Grindr and Blued, with authorities reviewing legal measures to curb their apps in the Muslim-majority nation.The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the country’s internet regulator, is “examining several legislative measures to curb these applications”, the communications ministry said in a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday.The commission may also engage with Google and Apple, it said. Google and Apple operate the app stores that distribute Grindr and Blued globally.The latest move adds to growing signs of a tightening social climate, fuelling concerns over creeping restrictions on civil liberties even as Malaysia seeks to project itself as a moderate and business-friendly economy.Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim leads a fragile coalition that depends heavily on Malay-Muslim support at a time when the opposition Islamist party has strengthened its appeal among conservative voters.Authorities cancelled a music festival in Kuala Lumpur in 2023 after male members of the band The 1975 kissed on stage. The government also banned Swatch Group’s products featuring LGBTQ elements and confiscated Pride-themed watches made by the Swiss company.