A Chinese dating app for lesbians that has more than five million users has been shut down.
The app, Rela, is no longer available in the Android or Apple app stores, and its website and Sina Weibo account have been deleted.
Users began to notice that the app was not accessible last week. It is unclear why it has been shut down.
Rela told its users on WeChat that the service had been suspended for an "important adjustment in service".
"Rela has always been with you and please await its return!"
Conservative attitudes
The state internet regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), has not commented on the shutdown.
Some users have suggested that it was connected to Rela's support for parents of LGBT children who wanted to take part in a "marriage market" in Shanghai on 20 May.
The group joined the weekly event in People's Park where older parents try to find partners for their unmarried sons and daughters, and handed out "educational flyers".
According to Sixth Tone, security officers ordered the group to leave the park, saying they had not registered their "advertising event" with the police.
It is not illegal to be gay in China, but homosexuality was considered to be a mental disorder until 2001 and attitudes towards it remain conservative.
Grindr buyout
In April, a Chinese dating app aimed at gay and bisexual men, Zank, was shut down after the CAC accused it of broadcasting pornographic content.
But in February, another dating app, Blued, received substantial funding from the state-backed Beijing News.
Rela's closure comes a week after a Chinese gaming company completed its buyout of Grindr, the world's biggest gay social networking app.
Beijing Kunlun Tech bought a 61.5% stake in Grindr in January 2016 for $93m (£72.3m). Last week, it announced it was buying the remaining 38.5% for $152m (£118m).
It also coincides with Taiwan's top court ruling in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.
Latest Stories
-
Fomena NPP executives smoke peace pipe after Napo’s intervention
6 hours -
Alan’s running mate slams gov’t for economic mismanagement, touts Alan as Ghana’s hope
6 hours -
Alan’s running mate Kwame Owusu Danso decries Ghana’s economic collapse, criticizes Bawumia’s leadership
6 hours -
Kwame Owusu Danso’s Emotional Tribute: From humble beginnings to Vice Presidential nominee
7 hours -
Newsfile to discuss NDC’s demand for audit of voter’s register, galamsey fight
7 hours -
Some major roadblocks in Accra, police outlines alternative routes
9 hours -
Vision FC set for tough test as Legon Cities seek first victory
9 hours -
Inland Fisherfolk want establishment of Development and Research Fund under new Fisheries Act
9 hours -
Communication professionals to discuss AI’s place in storytelling at ThinkStories Hangout
10 hours -
Country Lodge Hotel crowned Best 1-star hotel at 2024 Eastern Regional Tourism Awards
10 hours -
Filing fees of all disqualified applicants will be refunded – EC
10 hours -
We’ll end NPP’s 8 years of corruption – NDC justifies 8th position on ballot paper
11 hours -
EC has no power to determine who wins elections – Jean Mensa
11 hours -
Election 2024: It’s No.1 for NPP, No.8 for NDC on ballot paper
11 hours -
Learning Organisation wins HR, Training and Development Consulting Firm of Year 2024 award
11 hours