🚫 TikTok Ban Still in Force, Says Government Amid Website Access Reports
New Delhi — The Government of India has officially clarified that the ban on TikTok remains fully in effect, dismissing recent speculation triggered by reports of users accessing the platform’s website.
On Friday, several Indian users claimed they were able to open TikTok’s homepage without using VPNs, sparking widespread buzz about a possible return of the China-based video streaming app. However, users were unable to log in, stream, or upload content, and the app remains unavailable on both Android and iOS app stores.
Responding to the growing chatter, government sources stated:
“The Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or news is false and misleading.”
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Background of the Ban
TikTok was among 59 Chinese apps banned on June 29, 2020, following the Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese forces. The Ministry of Electronics and IT cited concerns over national security, data privacy, and sovereignty. Intelligence agencies had flagged the apps for allegedly collecting sensitive user data and transmitting it outside India without authorization.
What Triggered the Confusion?
The brief accessibility of TikTok’s website was reportedly due to a technical glitch or network-level misconfiguration, not a policy change. While the landing page loaded for some users, core features remained disabled, reinforcing that the ban is still in place.
Diplomatic Context
The clarification comes at a time when India and China are cautiously improving bilateral ties. Trade has resumed through designated border passes, and plans are underway to restore direct flights and ease visa processes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, where he will hold bilateral meetings with global leaders.
Public Reaction
Social media platforms saw mixed reactions—some users expressed disappointment, while others supported the government’s firm stance on digital sovereignty. The incident has reignited conversations around data protection, foreign tech influence, and the need for robust digital policy frameworks.
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