The Chinese video-streaming platform TikTok and the shopping website AliExpress have been unblocked in India after a five-year ban, marking a significant development in the country's digital landscape. However, the TikTok app remains unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The Indian government had imposed a ban on TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in June 2020, citing national security concerns during heightened tensions with China following the Galwan Valley clash.
According to a report by Business Today, several users can now access TikTok's website in India, although the app itself is still not available for download. Neither TikTok nor its parent company, ByteDance, has issued an official statement regarding the platform's return to India. Similarly, AliExpress, a popular Chinese e-commerce platform, has also been unblocked, allowing users to access its website once again.
The ban on these apps was enforced under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows the government to block access to digital platforms deemed a threat to national security. Alongside TikTok, other apps like ShareIt, UC Browser, and UC News were also prohibited in 2020. The decision came at a time when India-China relations were strained, particularly due to border tensions.
The unblocking of TikTok's website coincides with signs of improving diplomatic relations between India and China. Recent discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi focused on maintaining peace along the border, resuming border trade, and encouraging investment. However, the Indian government has not yet made an official announcement regarding the lifting of the ban on the TikTok app itself.
Meanwhile, TikTok faces challenges in other parts of the world. In the United States, ByteDance has been issued an ultimatum to sell its operations or face a potential ban. Interestingly, the White House recently launched its official TikTok account, with its first post featuring a video of President Donald Trump. In the video, Trump stated, "Every day, I wake up determined to deliver a better life for the people of this country. I am your voice." The caption read, "America, we are back."
The partial return of TikTok and AliExpress in India has sparked discussions about the future of Chinese apps in the country. While the websites are now accessible, the absence of the TikTok app on major app stores suggests that the Indian government is proceeding cautiously. For now, users await further clarity on whether these platforms will fully resume operations in India.
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