The Independent reports:
The gay dating app Grindr has been blocked for most users in Lebanon, sparking concern over a widening crackdown on the LGBT+ community in the country.
The social networking app, which connects users based on their location, went offline for users of the state-owned internet service provider over the weekend and has been unusable since.
The local Daily Star newspaper reported that access to the app was blocked by Ogero on the orders of the public prosecutor’s office, and that it would soon be blocked by all internet service providers. No explanation for the ban has been given.
Lebanon has banned @Grindr, confirming users’ suspicions. (THREAD)https://t.co/ZXbs82ezir
— Benjamin Redd (@benredd) May 28, 2019
Here’s the order, signed Friday by Bassel Ayoubi, director-general for investment and maintenance at the Telecoms Ministry. The 2nd page, from @LebISF‘s Cybercrimes Bureau, shows involvement of Imad Qabalan and Mary Abu Mrad, two of Lebanon’s highest-ranking public prosecutors. pic.twitter.com/a7wTCoy2UY
— Benjamin Redd (@benredd) May 28, 2019
Despite this documentation, it’s unclear what is going on or why. The ISF cites the app’s services for “homosexuals and bisexuals,” but I’m unaware of what legal basis they’re using. Also cites a pair of cabinet decisions—anyone have access to the Official Gazette?
— Benjamin Redd (@benredd) May 28, 2019
Activists slam Lebanon telecoms ministry after it bans Grindr app https://t.co/8oYSxFlEPF pic.twitter.com/paUtMC4GhE
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) May 28, 2019
Grindr now blocked in Lebanon https://t.co/Gx5pB0JJKH Countries in the Middle East where the app is blocked: Turkey (naturally), Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, now Lebanon joins the exclusive club.
— Arie Amaya-Akkermans (@byzantinologue) May 28, 2019