NEW DELHI – Even though there has been a lot of talk about it online and in the news, the Indian government has verified that the ban on the Chinese-owned app TikTok is still in place. Officials made it clear on Friday in an official statement that “any such statement or news [of an unblocking order] is false and misleading.”
Some users in India recently realized that they could access the TikTok website on desktop browsers, which started the rumors. However, officials said that this access was limited and didn’t include all of the features. Users couldn’t log in, watch, or upload videos, and the TikTok app is still not available in India on either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
The ban on TikTok and 58 other applications from China started on June 29, 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops fought violently in the Galwan Valley. The Indian government said it was worried about threats to the country’s security, sovereignty, integrity, and public order. Security agencies had already warned that the apps were gathering information about users and might be sending it to servers outside of India without permission. The restriction, which was only supposed to last for a short time, became permanent in January 2021.
There has also been a lot of talk about India and China getting along better lately. At passes like Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La, both countries have started trading across the border again. There are also reports that plans are in the works to bring back direct flights and make it easier to get visas. From August 31 to September 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also go to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where he is expected to meet with Chinese leaders one-on-one.
India was TikTok’s biggest international market before the shutdown, with an estimated 150 to 200 million users. When the app suddenly went away, it left a hole that was immediately filled by domestic apps like Moj and Chingari, as well as by worldwide sites like YouTube (Shorts) and Instagram (Reels). The ban was very personal for many content creators and small businesses, and it had a big effect on the economy. When they heard that it might be lifted, they were both excited and skeptical.