In a surprising turn of events, the popular Christian prayer app Hallow may find itself barred from operating in Europe. Alex Jones, the CEO and co-founder of Hallow, took to social media platform X to express his concerns about the app facing what he calls “over-regulation” in the European Union.
Jones stated, “China shut us down by outright removing us from the App Store. The EU is shutting us down by over-regulation, apparently targeting any religious app, making it effectively impossible for us to operate in the EU.” He added that the situation is “honestly pretty heartbreaking,” especially as the team was in discussions to expand their content offerings in various European languages.
While the specifics of the EU’s decision are still unclear, some experts speculate that the region’s stringent data privacy laws could be a significant factor. The EU’s Digital Services Act, which came into effect in February 2023, requires platforms operating within the EU to disclose user numbers biannually and imposes strict rules on handling sensitive data, including religious beliefs. This legislation aims to ensure user privacy but could inadvertently stifle religious applications like Hallow.
In light of these challenges, organizations advocating for free speech and religious liberty have begun to rally around Hallow. ADF International, a prominent legal group, reached out to Jones on social media, offering their support and encouraging further discussion about potential assistance.
Since its launch in December 2018, Hallow has gained immense popularity, boasting over 22 million downloads in 150 countries. The app provides guided prayers, meditations, and Bible readings, and has collaborated with notable figures such as Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, and Gwen Stefani to promote its mission.
Jonathan Roumie, known for his role in "The Chosen," previously shared how Hallow has positively impacted his prayer life. He emphasized the importance of seeking God earnestly, stating, “When you earnestly seek God, He meets you where you are.” Roumie believes that prayer is about the intention behind it and encouraged users to ask God how they should pray.
Mark Wahlberg also opened up about the significance of prayer in his life, explaining that it has been a crucial part of his daily routine for decades. “It helps me get through everything, especially to remind me of what I’m trying to do on a daily basis,” he said. Wahlberg emphasized starting each day with gratitude and seeking divine guidance.
The potential banning of Hallow comes amid a broader trend in Europe, where religious affiliation is on the decline and incidents of persecution against Christians are on the rise. Recent statistics reveal that less than half of the population in the U.K. identifies as Christian for the first time since the first census in 1801. According to data from the U.K. Office for National Statistics, only 46.2% of the population, or approximately 27.5 million people, identify as Christian. This is a significant drop from 59.3% in the 2011 census.
Moreover, a 2024 study by Voice for Justice UK found that more than half of Christians in the U.K. have experienced hostility or ridicule for their faith. The report noted that the country has seen some of the highest levels of intolerance and discrimination against Christians in Europe, which researchers attribute to increasingly restrictive hate speech laws.
In 2023, anti-Christian hate crimes in Europe reached a staggering total of 2,444 incidents, according to a report compiled by the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe. This alarming statistic includes 232 personal attacks on Christians, ranging from harassment to physical violence. Notably, at least 1,230 of these hate crimes were reportedly committed by ten European governments, marking an increase from previous years.
As the situation unfolds, the Christian community is watching closely to see how the regulatory landscape will impact not only Hallow but also the broader conversation around religious freedom in Europe. For many, apps like Hallow are essential tools for spiritual growth and connection, and the potential loss of such resources raises important questions about the future of faith in an increasingly secular world.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, and join the conversation about the importance of religious freedom and the role of technology in fostering spiritual growth.