The unblocking of China's video streaming platform, TikTok, in India marks a significant turnaround after five years. While the app itself remains unavailable, the website can now be accessed across the country. The ban was originally instituted by the Indian government in 2020 due to security reasons, affecting several Chinese apps including TikTok. Meanwhile, shopping website AliExpress has also been unblocked, although government sources insist that the ban persists.
According to a report by Business Today, many users can access TikTok's website, but there's no sign of the app on Google Play Store or Apple App Store. TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have yet to make an official statement about the app's return to India. Government sources maintain that despite media reports, there has been no change in the status of TikTok and related websites.
Source: aajtak
It’s important to recount the events of June 2020, when tensions between India and China were at their peak in the Galwan Valley. The Indian government cited national security threats as the reason for banning 59 mobile apps, including popular ones like TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, and UC News, under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The return of the TikTok website comes at a time when India-China relations are thawing. Recently, PM Modi and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed maintaining peace at the border, opening trade, and increasing investments.
Source: aajtak
When Were Chinese Apps Banned?
In June 2020, the Indian government issued a notification announcing a ban on 59 mobile apps citing national security concerns. Officials stated there was ample evidence these apps were engaging in activities detrimental to India’s sovereignty and integrity, defense, and public order. The ban was enforced under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, along with the procedure for blocking public access to information set by the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
Apps Included in the Ban List
The banned apps list included several widely-used platforms in India, such as TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, Kwai, UC News, Vigo Video, Baidu Map, Clash of Kings, and DU Battery Saver.
Trouble for TikTok in the United States
Interestingly, the challenges for TikTok weren’t limited to India. In the United States, ByteDance has been pressured to sell its operations or face a ban. Meanwhile, the White House launched its official TikTok account this week, sharing a video of President Donald Trump where he vowed to make a better life for the nation’s people, saying, "I am your voice." The video was captioned, "America, we are back."
Congress Criticizes Government
In a recent statement, Congress criticized the government, saying China's company 'TikTok' is operational again in India. They pointed to the tragedy where 20 brave soldiers lost their lives during India-China skirmishes. Initially, PM Narendra Modi had given China a clean chit, but when Congress exerted pressure, he managed headlines by banning 'TikTok.' Now, he is engaging diplomatically with China, meeting with China's Foreign Minister, and even planning a visit, all while news of TikTok’s return emerges. Congress declares it clear that PM Modi's affinity for China outweighs his patriotic duty, comparing it to similar dealings with Pakistan.
Source: aajtak
