While TikTok’s website was briefly accessible to some users, government sources confirm the platform remains banned; core features and the app are still restricted.
TikTok Website Access Triggers Ban Lift Speculation
Speculation about TikTok’s return to India surfaced on Thursday after some users reported that the TikTok website was accessible. This led many to believe the 2020 ban on the platform might have been lifted.
However, government sources have confirmed that the platform remains officially blocked in India.
Login and Video Features Remain Inaccessible
Despite limited access to the homepage, key functionalities of the site are non-operational:
- Users could not log in, upload videos, or stream content.
- The TikTok app remains unavailable on Indian app stores, including Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) clarified that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are still enforcing the block, and any brief access may be due to technical glitches or routing inconsistencies.
TikTok Ban Remains Active Since 2020
TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps, was banned by the Indian government in June 2020 after the Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese troops.
The ban was enforced under Section 69A of the IT Act, citing:
- National security concerns
- Data privacy violations
- Potential use of apps as spyware or malware
Authorities stated these apps were “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
Context: India-China Diplomatic Engagements Resume
The renewed attention on TikTok coincides with ongoing efforts to stabilize India-China relations:
- Earlier this week, both countries agreed on a “stable, cooperative and forward-looking” agenda.
- Initiatives include:
- Resuming border trade
- Promoting investment flows
- Restoring direct flight services
- Ensuring peace along the LAC
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, following an invitation from President Xi Jinping.
No Change in Ban Status, Say Officials
Despite the sudden accessibility of the website for a few users, there is no official update on lifting the TikTok ban.
Government sources reiterated:
- The ban is still legally in effect.
- No formal review or rollback has been initiated.
- Any technical accessibility does not indicate policy change.
TikTok continues to be blocked in India, and any signs of its return are unfounded at this stage, according to government officials. The platform’s partial visibility online does not reflect a change in the government’s stance on the 2020 ban.
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