Several users across India reported being able to access TikTok’s official website on Friday, sparking rumours that the Chinese video-sharing app might be staging a comeback. But the government has now clarified that the ban on TikTok remains firmly in place.
“Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement or news is false and misleading,” government sources told ANI.
TikTok website live, but app still blocked
While the sudden visibility of TikTok’s homepage led many to believe the app was returning, it continues to remain unavailable for download on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India. Officials reiterated that no decision has been taken to reverse the ban.
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The 2020 ban
TikTok was among 59 Chinese apps banned in June 2020 over national security and data privacy concerns. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had said the apps were engaged in activities “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order.”
Other popular platforms that faced the axe included Shareit, UC Browser, UC News, Kwai, Vigo Video, Clash of Kings and DU Battery Saver.
Memes flood social media
Even without an official comeback, TikTok’s sudden online visibility was enough to get netizens talking. Social media platforms were soon flooded with memes, with users joking about the app’s “return” and revisiting old TikTok memories.
One user joked that if TikTok does return, they won’t hold back this time: “Me and my friends, as soon as TikTok returns in India, we’re not going to miss the chance this time; enough of the shame and ‘what will relatives say’” (“enough sharm-haya, rishtedaar kya kahenge & all”).
Another quipped that while the website might be back after five years, the app is still missing: “TikTok website is back in India after five years, but the app is still unavailable. For content creators, it feels like a wave of happiness” (“content creators me khushi ki laher”).
A third user gave it a tech spin: “The last time TikTok was in India, we only had filters. Now? AI will be the influencer.”
Many leaned into nostalgia, writing: “Welcome back TikTok, long time no see” — while others teased: “The TikTok virus is coming back to India” (“TikTok ka virus India mein wapas aa raha hai”).
One user even shared old TikTok clips with the caption: “This virus is coming back to India, now YouTubers have new content” (“ye virus India mein wapas aa raha hai, Youtubers ko ab content mil gya”).
For now though, the situation remains unchanged –TikTok is still banned in India.
