The Indian government has reiterated its decision, stating that the popular Chinese app TikTok will not be allowed to re-enter the Indian market. This announcement comes in response to recent social media speculation regarding TikTok’s potential return to India. The government’s statement confirms that the doors remain closed for the app.
Before its ban, TikTok had a substantial user base in India. Reports indicate that the platform had over 200 million active users in the country. India accounted for the largest number of TikTok downloads globally. Prior to the 2020 ban, India was TikTok’s biggest market, experiencing rapid growth in popularity. However, the government banned the app, citing national security and data privacy concerns.
The ban on TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps, was implemented in June 2020. This decision was made to protect the country’s security and user privacy. The government believed that these apps were transferring Indian users’ data to servers outside the country, posing a potential threat to national security.
Rumors of TikTok’s return have been circulating on social media, suggesting a possible launch in India through a partnership with an Indian company. Some reports claimed that ByteDance, the app’s developer, had planned a comeback. However, the government has officially clarified that TikTok’s return is not feasible.
Following TikTok’s ban, several domestic short video platforms gained popularity in India. These included Moj, Josh, Chingari, and Roposo. These apps offered users an experience similar to TikTok, attracting millions of users.