Turkey Blocks Nine Dating Apps, Including OkCupid and Feeld

A Turkish court has blocked access to nine dating and social networking platforms, including OkCupid, Feeld, GROWLR, Zoe, Lex, Bindr, u4Bear, Disco and TheBlowers. Internet censorship watchdog EngelliWeb announced the ruling on 4 November. The court did not disclose its reasons for the latest Turkey dating app ban.

The decision adds to a growing list of restrictions, particularly affecting LGBTQ+ platforms. In June, an Istanbul court blocked 14 services, including Taimi, SCRUFF, Jack’d, ROMEO and HeeSay. Another court blocked Hornet that same month, despite Turkey’s Constitutional Court overturning an earlier ban in 2024. Grindr has been blocked since 2013.

The latest Turkey dating app ban comes amid wider restrictions on LGBTQ+ organisations and activists. In September, police launched investigations targeting several groups and businesses, while authorities blocked social media accounts belonging to rights organisations and journalists.

Source: Turkish Minute