Grindr used for illegal purposes, may be blocked: Madras HC

The Madras High Court asked the police to report to India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) that the famous LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr was being used for illegal purposes, according to a report by LiveLaw. It also asked MeitY to “consider appropriate action, including blocking it in accordance with law.”

What was the order about?

The court issued the order in response to a bail application filed by a man accused of robbing a person he met through the app.

According to the order, the accused met the complainant through Grindr and took him to a secluded place. He sexually abused the latter and also robbed him of his necklace and a sum of Rs 1.15 lakh. Regarding the app, the judge said, “It is illegal not on the grounds that a person is homosexual but because it only serves a lustful and sexual interest of the parties.” The judge also asked the investigating officer to file a report with MeitY and inform them that people were using the app for illegal purposes. MeitY could then explore the available options, including blocking it.

Can the government block apps?

The government had earlier blocked 10 apps for publishing “obscene” content, under Section 67A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, which prohibits pornographic content.

The government can also block content under Section 69A of the IT Act, in the interest of “sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order or to prevent incitement to commission of an offence in relation to the above.”

However, the government is required to adhere to a number of prescribed rules regarding the issuance of blocking orders to intermediaries, such as app stores, and to a review process involving an interdepartmental committee and a hearing.

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