It’s been almost two years since the TikTok ban in India. Since then, there have been various questions on whether TikTok will make a comeback to India or not? The short-video platform was the most downloaded app in the country and the only source of income for many users. Moreover, India was also the biggest market for the Chinese company ByteDance.
In June 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok and other 273 Chinese apps from the Google Play and Apple App Store. This list of banned apps includes TikTok, Shareit, Likee, Clash of Kings, WeChat, DU battery saver, Baidu map, CamScanner, Garena Free Fire, PUBG mobile, etc. These apps allegedly collected sensitive user data.
The Chinese companies collected private user information and transmitted the data to servers located in a hostile country. These activities are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. Moreover, this is also a serious security threat to the country. Besides, Google also removed some Chinese apps that contained malicious malware to display intrusive ads on mobile phones.
It all started with the YouTube vs. TikTok controversy, followed by the #bantiktokinindia trend on social media platforms. The short video trend was so popular that many TikTok alternative apps were launched after the ban. These apps include Mitron, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Chingari, Roposo, MX Taka Tak, Josh, Moj, Tiki, Zili, etc. However, many users expected TikTok to make a comeback in India.
TikTok Might Make a Comeback in India
Since 2020, many rumors have hinted the TikTok comeback in India. Due to India’s war against the Chinese entities, the app could not make a return. However, according to The Economic Times, there is shockingly good news for the TikTok fans. TikTok might officially come back and make a return to India as ByteDance is looking to partner with an Indian company.
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is all set to join hands with the Hiranandani Group, a Mumbai-based firm, and bring TikTok back to India. The Chinese company has reportedly started hiring employees in India to prepare for the comeback. Moreover, there are reports that Gautam Vohra has been re-hired as the Head of Legal, South Asia, Regional Counsel, the Middle East.
However, ByteDance might need to sign specific Indian government authoritative rules to make an official comeback. There is a chance that the company might rename its brand name TikTok to some other name. Furthermore, ByteDance will need to store user data in India locally. The company might use Hiranandani’s Tez platforms and the data centers.
There is no doubt that TikTok will face tremendous competition as many rivals are already ruling the Indian market. But there has been no app that has gained popularity as TikTok did in the past. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what happens next. What is your thought on the TikTok India return? Let us know in the comments below.
