Grindr Chief Operating Officer Rick Marini has expressed disappointment with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority's decision to ban its use along with four other dating apps in the country. However, Tinder has responded positively, showing that they are willing to work with Pakistani authorities to moderate their content in the country.
In an email to Reuters, Marini said they were "deeply disappointed … the decision to ban Grindr and other dating apps that allow Pakistani citizens to connect with others on our platforms."
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The PTA released a press release this month stating that Grindr, Tinder and three other dating applications are banned in the country: “Given the negative effects of immoral / obscene content streamed through [the above] applications. "
Grindr is a US-based dating application that aims to connect members of the LGBTQ community. The PTA has issued this ban in response to ignoring their request to moderate and create live streaming content in accordance with Pakistani law. The platforms reportedly did not respond to requests for moderation until this ban was in effect.
However, the PTA has stated that they may consider banning these applications "provided the company's management ensures compliance with local laws."
In response to the above quote, the management of Tinder, another dating app banned in Pakistan, stated that they welcome any opportunity to discuss and moderate the content displayed on their platform and that they look forward to meaningful discussion with PTA.
The CEO of Grindr's email did not mention whether they were open to an interview.
The ban comes after the PTA's long-term decision to moderate internet content. They have since banned, not banned, Bigo, a live streaming application, and PUBG, an addictive online game that allegedly promotes violence. They also issued a "final warning" to TikTok, a world-renowned video platform, about moderating their content.
