TikTok comeback rumours Govt denies India buzz
Several users recently claimed they could access ByteDance-owned TikTok’s official website in India, sparking speculation about the app’s possible return despite its ongoing government ban imposed over security and data concerns.
In recent days, several users took to social media to claim that they were able to access TikTok’s official website in India. This sparked a flurry of rumours that the platform—owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance—might be making a comeback.
Any such statement or news is false and misleading,” the sources said, putting to rest the buzz surrounding the app.
While some users were reportedly able to open TikTok’s website homepage, the app itself continues to remain unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India. For now, there is no change in its official status—it remains under the same ban that was imposed more than four years ago.
The ban dates back to June 2020, when the Centre announced restrictions on 59 Chinese-owned mobile applications, including TikTok, UC Browser, and WeChat. The official reason given at the time was national security, with the government citing concerns that the apps were “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state, and public order.”
The move came at a sensitive moment—tensions with China were running high after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in eastern Ladakh, which left 20 Indian soldiers martyred. The violence marked one of the lowest points in India-China relations in decades, and the app ban was widely seen as both a digital strike and a national security safeguard.
The decision had strong backing from within the government. Reports from that period noted that then-Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla recommended the move, which was later signed off by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The IT Ministry formally issued the order, completing the process.
TikTok, once wildly popular in India with over 200 million users, has been absent ever since. Despite periodic rumours of its return, officials have made it clear that the ban remains firmly in place. For now, Indian users looking for short-form videos continue to rely on homegrown alternatives like Moj, Josh, and MX TakaTak, which have filled the vacuum left behind by TikTok’s sudden exit.