An online dating application in China which lets wealthy older people to connect with young lovers has been subject to restrictions after a surge in popularity in the country as reported by state media on Friday.
Called SeekingArrangement or “Sugar Daddy”, is dating app has now been suspended from WeChat — a popular Chinese messaging service similar to WhatsApp. The app was becoming intensely popular and was the most downloaded app on Apple Store China this week.
The suspension came after Global Times a state run organisation linked with Communist Party in China-urged the government to shut down app’s operations for promoting “sugar dating“, a practice in which wealthy elite suitors are matched with with younger people in exchange for economic benefits or gifts.
Lawyers in the country warned that such practices could encourage prostitution in China which is considered illegal in the country.
Brandon Wade, App’s founder defended by saying, “love is a concept invented by poor people.” The app was founded in 2006 and its headquarters are situated in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, which has fewer legal restrictions than the rest of the country.
The app comes with a paid subscription which is different for males and females. Males have to pay a fee of $60 monthly, while females use the app for free or pay $15 to access more functions. However, females are required to furnish details about their annual income to regsiter with the app which should be higher than $47,000 to use its services.