Several users across India reported that being able to access Tiktok’s official website on Friday sparked rumors that Chinese video sharing apps might be making a comeback. But the government has now clarified that the ban on Tiktok remains firm.
“The Indian government has not issued any lockdown orders for Tiktok. Any such statements or news are false and misleading,” a government source told ANI.
Tiktok website Live, but the app is still blocked
Although the sudden visibility of the Tiktok homepage led many to believe that the app is returning, it still cannot be downloaded on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India. Officials reiterated that there was no decision to reverse the ban.
Add Zee business as your preferred source
2020 Ban
Tiktok is one of 59 Chinese apps banned in June 2020 on national security and data privacy issues. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said the applications engage in activities “biasing India’s sovereignty and integrity, India’s defense, national security and public order”.
Other popular platforms facing the Axe include Shareit, UC Browser, UC News, Kwai, Vigo Video, Kings Conflict and Du Battery Saver.
Memes flood social media
Even without a formal comeback, Tiktok’s sudden online popularity is enough to make people talk to the internet. The social media platform was quickly filled with memes, with users joking about the app’s “return” and revisiting old Tiktok memories.
One user joked that if Tiktok did return, this time they wouldn’t back down: “My friend and I, once Tiktok returns to India, we won’t miss this opportunity; this time the shame and ‘Will Seacheres Sage'” (“Enough Sharm-Haya, Rishtedaar Kya Kahenge and All”).
Another joked that while the site may be back five years later, the app is still lost: “The tiktok website is back in India five years later, but the app is still unusable. It feels like a wave of happiness for content creators” (“Content creator I khushi ki laher”).
The third user gave it a technical spin: “Tiktok last time in India, we had only filters. Now? AI will be an influencer.”
Many tend to be nostalgic, writing: “Welcome back to Tiktok, unseen for a long time” – while others laughed at: “Tiktok Ka Virus India Mein Mein Wapas aa raha Hai”.
One user even shared an old Tiktok clip with the title: “The virus is returning to India and now YouTuber has new content” (“”Ye Virus India Mein Wapas aa raha hai, YouTubers ko ab content mil gya”).
However, for now, the situation remains the same – Tiktok is still banned in India.
