After several users reported that they could access the website of the China-based video streaming company TikTok, government sources stressed on Friday that the restriction has not been removed. The Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement/news is false and misleading,” Government sources clarified.
Has India’s ban on the TikTok app been lifted?
After several users complained that they could browse the TikTok website but couldn’t log in to watch videos on the China-based platform, a clarification was made. The video-streaming platform’s app wasn’t accessible on app stores.
Why was the TikTok app banned in India?
Given the danger to the country’s security and sovereignty following the 2020 skirmishes in the Galwan Valley, India blocked 59 Chinese mobile applications, including popular social media sites like TikTok, WeChat, and Helo.
Intelligence agencies red-flagged most of the apps that were banned in the June 29, 2020, order because they were suspected of gathering user data and perhaps sending it “outside.”
The applications were accused by the government of engaging in acts “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, and public order.” However, with the recent restart of border trade through the three authorized trading points—Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass—China and India have taken positive efforts to improve their ties.
Additionally, both parties have committed to finalizing a new Air Services Agreement and resuming direct air connections between the Chinese mainland and India as soon as possible. They also decided to make it easier for travelers, companies, the media, and other visitors to obtain visas in both directions.
From August 31 to September 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The Prime Minister is anticipated to meet bilaterally with a number of the Summit’s participating leaders on the sidelines.
