Government denies TikTok’s return to India amid social media buzz

Social media buzz hinted at a quiet return of banned Chinese apps like TikTok, once hugely popular in India, but the government has confirmed no policy change, stating the 2020 ban remains in force with no approvals granted for re-entry

The government has officially dismissed recent reports suggesting that the ban on popular Chinese apps—TikTok, AliExpress, and Shein—has been revoked. The clarification comes amid growing speculation on social media about limited access to the platforms, sparking confusion among users.

Earlier this week, several users claimed they were able to reach the homepages of TikTok and other previously banned Chinese platforms. However, they noted that core functionalities, including video browsing on TikTok or shopping on AliExpress and Shein, remained inaccessible.

Speculations sparked by partial access

Social media posts had suggested a possible soft return of these apps, which were once widely used in India before being banned in mid-2020. TikTok, in particular, had a massive user base in the country, making it one of its largest international markets.

Despite partial access to some websites, there has been no official confirmation of any policy shift. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) reiterated that the original ban remains in effect, emphasizing that no clearance has been given for the re-entry of these apps into the Indian digital ecosystem.

Past bans and clone comebacks

The original ban, imposed on June 29, 2020, followed rising tensions between India and China, especially after the deadly Galwan Valley clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Citing concerns over data privacy and national security, the government blocked 59 Chinese apps, including TikTok, Xender, and CamScanner.

While some lesser-known apps resurfaced earlier this year—either under modified branding or via cloned versions—major platforms like TikTok have remained unavailable through official app stores. In February 2025, apps such as Xender and TanTan appeared briefly on the Google Play Store, fueling further rumors of a broader reinstatement.

The Ministry has cautioned users against downloading or engaging with any unofficial versions of these apps, citing ongoing security concerns. Officials reaffirmed that any decision to allow the return of banned platforms would be based on a thorough review of national interest and data protection protocols.