People are being blocked from accessing spiritual content.
Pray.com, a prominent digital platform catering to Christian content, disclosed its removal from the Apple App Store in mainland China, citing the stringent internet regulations enforced by the Chinese government.
This removal has disrupted access to significant events such as the National Day of Prayer livestream, previously featuring notable figures like President Joe Biden, Chris Tomlin, and Franklin Graham, as stated in the platform’s announcement.
Since its establishment in 2016, Pray.com has aimed to bolster faith and foster community engagement globally, amassing over 16 million users and offering diverse spiritual resources, including daily prayers and Bible stories.
The decision to remove the app reflects a shift in China’s stance towards prayer applications. Previously operating under relatively lenient conditions, Pray.com now finds itself subject to stricter regulations governing religious content dissemination online.
Michael Lynn, co-founder of Pray.com, noted the platform’s previously positive relations with China, citing examples such as the allowance of significant Bible printing. However, the recent removal underscores evolving challenges in navigating China’s regulatory landscape.
In response, Pray.com is exploring alternative avenues to engage its Chinese audience, with CEO Steve Gatena extending an invitation to President Xi for the National Day of Prayer event in Washington this May.
Apple, in compliance with local laws, affirmed its adherence to the regulations of countries where it operates, including China’s requirement for religious content apps to obtain permits for inclusion in app stores.
Despite its removal from the Chinese App Store, Pray.com remains available for download on other international storefronts.
China’s regulatory framework for online religious content has tightened in recent years, with mandates requiring licensing for internet-based religious information services. Critics, including advocacy groups like Bitter Winter, argue that these regulations favor only officially recognized religious organizations, limiting the online presence of other faith-based communities.
Matthew Potter, another co-founder of Pray.com, reiterated the company’s commitment to overcoming regulatory hurdles to ensure continued support for its global community, particularly during significant spiritual observances like the National Day of Prayer.
The removal of Pray.com from the Chinese App Store reflects broader restrictions on religious content in China, evidenced by previous instances of censorship targeting Bible apps, Christian social media accounts, and online sales of religious texts. These actions underscore China’s ongoing efforts to regulate and control religious expression within its borders.