Indonesia is blocking three gay networking apps after linking the popular service Grindr to a paedophile ring, an official said on Friday, accusing them of promoting “sexual deviancy”.
It was the latest move by the Muslim-majority country against homosexuals, who have faced a sudden backlash this year, with the government recently declaring there is “no room” in the country for the gay community in response to criticism from activists.
The Government had decided to block Grindr, Blued and BoyAhoy in the country, communications ministry spokesman Noor Iza told AFP, adding they were the apps most clearly promoting gay lifestyles.
It followed a request from police to block gay networking services after they busted an online paedophile ring this month that they alleged used Grindr to pimp teenage boys out to adult men.