Claim
Several social media posts and reports claim that TikTok, the popular Chinese short-video platform, is set to return to India after users noticed partial access to its website on desktop browsers.
Verdict
The claim is FALSE.
Synopsis
The Government of India has not lifted the ban on TikTok. Despite temporary reports of limited website accessibility, there has been no official order to restore the app in India. TikTok remains blocked on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, and there is no confirmation of its comeback.
Why the Rumors Started
The speculation began when some users across India observed that the TikTok website could be opened on desktop browsers.
However:
- The homepage loads, but videos cannot be watched.
- Users cannot log in or upload content.
- The TikTok app remains missing from app stores.
This limited website access appears to be temporary and does not signal an official unblocking.
Government’s Official Clarification
Addressing the growing rumors, government sources confirmed to PTI that TikTok has not been unblocked:
“The Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or report is false, misleading, and incorrect.”
This clarification reaffirms that the 2020 ban remains firmly in place, and TikTok cannot operate legally in India.
Why TikTok Was Banned in India
TikTok’s troubles in India began on June 29, 2020, when the government banned 59 Chinese apps following the Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese forces in Ladakh.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that these apps posed national security risks and were collecting sensitive user data. Intelligence agencies also flagged concerns that data was potentially being transmitted outside India.
The ministry emphasized in its 2022 statement:
“The compilation, mining, and profiling of user data by entities hostile to India’s national security is a matter of deep concern requiring emergency action.”
Following this, more apps were added to the banned list — including PUBG Mobile, Shein, UC Browser, and others — bringing the total number of banned apps to over 250.
India-China Relations and TikTok’s Future
While TikTok remains banned, India and China have made efforts to stabilize trade and diplomatic ties in recent months. Key developments include:
- Reopening border trade routes at Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass
- Resuming direct flights between India and China
- Working on an updated Air Services Agreement
- Simplifying visa processes for tourists, businesspersons, and media professionals
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. He is expected to meet several global leaders on the sidelines. However, despite improving trade dialogue, there has been no signal from the Indian government about reversing the TikTok ban or allowing Chinese apps back into the country.
Fact Check Verdict
| Claim | TikTok is coming back to India soon |
|---|---|
| Fact | ❌ False |
| Government’s Position | TikTok remains banned under the 2020 order |
| App Status | Not available on Google Play Store & Apple App Store |
| Website Status | Limited access due to technical reasons — no official unblocking |
| Future Outlook | No government decision yet on TikTok’s return |
Conclusion
TikTok remains banned in India, and there is no official confirmation about its return. While some users may temporarily see TikTok’s homepage loading on desktop browsers, this is not linked to any policy change. The Government of India has clearly stated that the 2020 order blocking TikTok continues to remain in force. For now, any claim about TikTok’s unblocking is misleading and should be verified before being shared.