Is TikTok Really Back in India? Here’s the Truth
For the last few days, Indian social media has been buzzing with one question: Is TikTok finally making a comeback in India? While some users reported being able to access parts of the TikTok website without using a VPN, the reality is slightly different. Let’s break it down in simple language.
1. Website Opens, But the App Still Blocked
A few Indian users noticed that they could suddenly access TikTok’s official website this week. Pages like “About” and “Contact” were opening normally. This created excitement that the short-video giant was returning after almost five years.
However, the main functions — logging in, uploading videos, watching trending clips, or downloading the app — still remain blocked. Users cannot post or view any TikTok videos inside India.
Experts believe this may not be a real comeback, but rather a technical error or misconfiguration. A similar glitch had happened back in September 2022, when TikTok’s site briefly appeared accessible in India.
2. Government’s Official Response
Soon after speculation began, the Government of India issued a clarification. Officials clearly said that no unblocking order has been issued for TikTok or any other Chinese app banned in 2020.
In fact, the Ministry of Electronics and IT called the rumours “false and misleading.” The government confirmed that TikTok remains banned and no steps have been taken to restore it.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, also said that it is complying with Indian laws and has not relaunched the app in the country.
3. Why TikTok Matters to Indians
Before the ban in June 2020, TikTok had become one of the most popular apps in India. The country had nearly 200 million active users, many of them from small towns and regional language communities.
For thousands of young creators, TikTok was a platform to showcase talent in dance, comedy, cooking, fashion, and education. Its short-video format allowed people to go viral overnight, giving them recognition and sometimes even careers.
After TikTok’s exit, Indian apps like Moj, Josh, MX TakaTak and global platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts tried to fill the gap. While these platforms have grown rapidly, many creators still miss TikTok for its easy-to-use tools and large audience reach.
4. Why Was TikTok Banned?
In June 2020, TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps was banned by the Indian government citing national security and data privacy concerns. The government argued that these apps were “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
Since then, ByteDance has made several attempts to re-enter the Indian market, sometimes through talks with local partners, but no official approval has been given so far.
5. What’s Next?
At present, the situation is clear:
- Some parts of the TikTok website may open, but this is likely due to a technical glitch.
- The app remains blocked in India.
- The government has not lifted the ban, and TikTok has not relaunched officially.
This means that despite the buzz, TikTok is not back in India yet. Whether it will return in the future depends on policy changes, government approval, and compliance with Indian data rules.