The Indian government has reaffirmed that TikTok, the popular Chinese app, will not be allowed to return to India. Reports on social media had suggested that TikTok was preparing a comeback in India, but official sources have clarified that the country’s doors remain closed for the app.

TikTok’s Massive User Base in India

Before its ban, TikTok had over 200 million active users in India, making it the largest market globally. The app’s downloads from India accounted for a significant portion of its global user base. TikTok was growing rapidly in popularity across the country until the government banned it in 2020, citing national security and data privacy concerns.

Government Clarifies Ban

Government sources stated:

"The Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or news is false and misleading."

The ban on TikTok was part of a broader action in June 2020, when India blocked 59 Chinese apps over concerns that these apps were sending Indian user data to servers abroad, posing a threat to national security.

Rumours of a Comeback

Recently, rumours circulated that TikTok might re-enter India by partnering with an Indian company. Some reports suggested that TikTok’s developer, ByteDance, was planning a relaunch. However, the government has now officially dismissed these claims.

Indian Alternatives Fill the Gap

Since the ban, several homegrown short video platforms have gained popularity, offering a TikTok-like experience. Leading apps include Moj, Josh, Chingari, and Roposo, which collectively attracted millions of users and filled the void left by TikTok.