分类： technology

Apple has officially confirmed the removal of two prominent Chinese gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. This action was taken in compliance with an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China. An Apple spokesperson stated, ‘We adhere to the laws of the countries where we operate. Based on the directive from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps exclusively from the China storefront.’ This decision has sparked significant concern within the LGBT community in China. The BBC has reached out to the companies behind Blued and Finka for their comments. Despite the removal, a ‘lite’ version of Blued remains accessible on Chinese app stores, and other gay and bisexual dating apps like Jicco and Jack’d are still available. Blued, one of the most widely-used gay dating apps in China, boasts tens of millions of downloads. Apple operates a separate app store in China, in line with the country’s stringent internet regulations, which also restrict access to popular apps like Instagram and WhatsApp. Android users in China rely on locally adapted versions of the operating system since the Google Play Store is blocked. Members of the LGBT community have voiced their concerns, with one individual remarking, ‘I hope those heterosexual policymakers can understand that love is rare—it’s not something shameful or unspeakable.’ This incident follows the 2022 removal of the US-based gay dating app Grindr from Apple’s App Store in China, shortly after the Cyberspace Administration of China initiated a crackdown on content deemed illegal and inappropriate. In 2023, the Chinese government introduced new regulations mandating that all apps serving domestic users must register for licenses, leading to the removal of numerous foreign apps. While homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, same-sex marriages remain unrecognized. Advocacy groups such as the Beijing LGBT Center and ShanghaiPride have ceased operations in recent years.

The 2nd Metrology Instrumentation and Equipment Exhibition kicked off on Tuesday in Hengyang, Hunan province, showcasing the latest advancements in metrology technology. Organized by the China Metrology Association, the three-day event attracted over 230 exhibitors from across the nation, highlighting innovations in industrial metrology, instrument manufacturing, and smart laboratory solutions. Spanning 15,000 square meters, the exhibition also emphasized international collaboration in the field. A standout innovation was the high-voltage transformer wiring robot developed by the State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Co Ltd, which promises to enhance safety and efficiency in power infrastructure maintenance. The event underscores China’s commitment to advancing metrology technology and fostering global partnerships in the industry.

In a move reflecting the increasing regulatory scrutiny on China’s LGBTQ+ community, Apple has removed two prominent gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, from its App Store in China. The tech giant cited an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) as the reason for the takedown. An Apple spokesperson stated, ‘We follow the laws in the countries where we operate,’ emphasizing the company’s compliance with local regulations. While the full versions of both apps are no longer accessible in China, an ‘express’ version of Blued remains available, though its differences from the original are unclear. Finka’s developer had already opted to remove the app outside China earlier this year. This action follows the removal of another popular gay dating app, Grindr, from Apple’s Chinese App Store in 2022. Both Blued and Finka are owned by BlueCity, a Chinese company focused on LGBTQ+ services, which was delisted from Nasdaq in 2022. Apple’s decision underscores its willingness to adhere to Chinese internet regulations, a stance that has been noted by industry experts. George Chen, a partner at The Asia Group, remarked that Apple rarely resists government takedown requests, given the importance of the Chinese market to its global operations. This development highlights the growing challenges faced by China’s LGBTQ+ community, which has seen increased pressure from authorities despite the decriminalization of homosexuality in 1997.

China’s rapid advancements in digital technology are making waves across the globe, transforming industries and improving lives. From cutting-edge digital crop estimation techniques to the expansion of e-commerce platforms into international markets, China’s digital revolution is setting new benchmarks. International experts have lauded these innovations, highlighting their profound impact on global economies and societies. The integration of digital solutions in agriculture, commerce, and communication is not only enhancing efficiency but also fostering cross-border collaboration. As China continues to lead in digital innovation, its contributions are empowering nations worldwide, driving progress, and bridging technological divides.

In a significant move to bolster national cybersecurity, China’s National Cybersecurity Notification Center unveiled a list of 10 malicious websites and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses on Monday, November 11, 2025. These sites, linked to overseas hacker groups, have been actively used to orchestrate cyberattacks targeting China and other nations. The center emphasized that the identified domains and IPs are directly associated with Trojan programs and their command-and-control servers, facilitating botnet operations and backdoor exploitations. Such activities pose a severe threat to networked institutions and internet users across China. The flagged addresses span multiple countries, including the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Turkiye, Iran, the Republic of Korea, and Brazil. This alert underscores China’s proactive stance in combating global cyber threats and safeguarding its digital infrastructure. The announcement was made via the center’s official social media channels, urging heightened vigilance among stakeholders.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to become the global leader in urban air mobility as Archer Aviation, a US-based electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, prepares to deliver an additional aircraft in 2026. This milestone precedes the anticipated commercial launch of air taxi services in the UAE, marking a significant leap in futuristic transportation. Archer Aviation’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nikhil Goel, revealed these plans during an interview, highlighting the company’s partnership with Abu Dhabi Aviation and its ongoing collaboration with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

In July 2025, Archer conducted a landmark test flight of its Midnight aircraft in front of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. This trial, part of a broader campaign to ensure operational efficiency in extreme heat, marked Archer’s first flight test outside the United States. Goel described the event as a pivotal moment, emphasizing its symbolic significance in the heart of the city. The company plans to continue its flight tests in the region, with the goal of certifying the aircraft and commencing passenger operations.

Goel also disclosed that Abu Dhabi Aviation has already made substantial payments, in the seven-figure range, to Archer as part of their commercial agreement. These payments will enable the company to recognize revenue starting next year. Additionally, Archer is making rapid progress in obtaining certification from both the GCAA and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The UAE’s pioneering efforts in urban air mobility have garnered significant interest from other Middle Eastern nations, which are now exploring similar initiatives. Goel noted that regional countries are keen to replicate the UAE’s collaboration with Archer and the GCAA to bring flying taxi services to their own markets. The UAE is expected to be the first country globally to commercially launch flying taxis, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation and cutting-edge technology.

The second edition of the Culture.Media.Digital Forum, held on November 6–7, 2025, at Moscow’s MosKino Film Factory, emerged as a pivotal event for the media and creative industries. Attracting over 8,000 participants and featuring 160+ speakers from 20+ countries, the forum spotlighted the growth potential of the CIS media market and the integration of its cultural and digital ecosystems. The event brought together media executives, filmmakers, bloggers, IT specialists, and government representatives to explore the future of media in the region, which boasts a combined audience of over 350 million Russian-speaking users. Key discussions revolved around localized AI tools, regional distribution platforms, content metrics standardization, and innovative monetization strategies. A notable focus was the increasing collaboration between the CIS and MENA regions, with Middle Eastern leaders sharing insights on multilingual production and digital infrastructure. The forum’s business agenda, structured across six thematic tracks—Media Network, Influencers, Technomagic, Art Resource, PRology, and Kinofield—hosted 50+ sessions, panel discussions, and presentations. International cinema icons, including French cinematographer Michel Amathieu and Italian Academy Award winner Vittorio Storaro, enriched the program with their expertise. The event also featured interactive experiences like a retro gaming zone and a literary corner, alongside autograph sessions with prominent media personalities. The forum’s outcomes underscored its role as a catalyst for cross-industry collaboration, fostering new partnerships and actionable projects that promise to shape the future of the CIS media landscape.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the global economy and society, Russia is emerging as a key player in fostering international collaboration and regulation in the field. Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman of the executive board, highlights Russia’s leadership in the BRICS AI Alliance Network and its efforts to expand AI cooperation globally. Established in 2024, the AI Alliance Network unites 17 industry-specific associations from 14 countries, including BRICS+ members and nations like Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia. In 2025, Russia chairs the Secretariat, spearheading the Global AI Horizons foresight research project, which involves over 200 scientists from 25 countries. The Alliance focuses on joint educational initiatives, AI regulation, and ethical frameworks, aiming to create a human-centered foundation for AI development. Efforts are underway to include Arab nations such as Bahrain, Egypt, and the UAE, whose cultural and linguistic diversity is crucial for AI’s global evolution. The BRICS+ AI Success Hub, in partnership with UNIDO, will serve as a platform for sharing AI implementation case studies. Russia also emphasizes the need for a unified global AI regulatory framework, advocating for safety, ethics, and innovation. The annual AI Journey conference, held in Moscow, further promotes AI research and dialogue, attracting global experts and young researchers. Russian AI solutions, such as GigaChat, are gaining traction in BRICS markets, supported by localization efforts and partnerships. The Russian AI Casebook, featuring over 600 implementation cases, showcases the country’s advancements in AI applications across industries. Harmonizing AI standards among BRICS members remains a priority to ensure seamless technology exchange and integration.