Hallow, a leading Christian prayer app, may soon face operational challenges in Europe due to what its CEO and co-founder, Alex Jones, describes as excessive regulation. Jones took to X (formerly Twitter) to express concerns that European laws are making it “effectively impossible” for religious apps like Hallow to function.
He compared the situation to China, where Hallow was removed from the App Store, stating that while China shut the app down directly, the EU is using over-regulation to achieve the same result. The app had been planning expansions in Poland, France, Italy, and Germany, but Jones fears these plans may now be in jeopardy.
EU’s Digital Services Act and Privacy Concerns
While the specific reasons behind potential restrictions remain unclear, experts speculate that the EU’s stringent data privacy laws are a key factor. The Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect in February 2023, requires all platforms operating in the EU to disclose user numbers twice a year and imposes strict rules on handling sensitive data, including religious beliefs.
The DSA aims to protect user privacy and prevent misuse of personal information. However, critics argue that these regulations disproportionately impact religious platforms, making compliance difficult. ADF International, a legal group advocating for religious freedom, has pledged support to Hallow.
Hallow’s Global Impact and High-Profile Supporters
Since its launch in December 2018, Hallow has gained over 22 million downloads across 150 countries. The app offers guided prayers, meditations, and Bible readings, often featuring celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, and Gwen Stefani to reach a broader audience.
The app has become particularly popular in the U.S., where religious apps thrive. However, if restrictions in the EU take effect, Hallow may struggle to maintain its presence in the region.
Religious Decline and Rising Christian Persecution in Europe
Hallow’s potential restrictions come amid a broader decline in religious affiliation in Europe. Recent census data from the U.K. shows that less than half of the population identifies as Christian for the first time in history. In 2021, only 46.2% of U.K. citizens claimed a Christian identity, a steep drop from 59.3% in 2011.
Alongside this decline, reports indicate a rise in anti-Christian discrimination and hostility. A 2024 study by Voice for Justice UK found that over half of Christians in the country have experienced ridicule or hostility for their faith. The study attributes this trend to hate speech laws, which some claim contribute to increased harassment and self-censorship.
Rising Anti-Christian Hate Crimes Across Europe
The situation is not limited to the U.K. A report compiling data from police and civil society sources across 35 European countries documented 2,444 anti-Christian hate crimes in 2023. These included 232 personal attacks ranging from threats to physical violence.
Alarmingly, at least 1,230 of these incidents were reportedly carried out by European governments themselves, an increase from 1,029 in 2022. Critics argue that growing secularization and restrictive policies contribute to a hostile environment for Christians.
The fate of Hallow and other religious apps remains uncertain as the EU enforces digital regulations. Religious freedom advocates warn that such measures may unintentionally marginalize faith-based platforms, intensifying concerns over declining religious tolerance in Europe.
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Hallow Prayer App Risks European Ban Amid Concerns of Over-Regulation
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