TikTok Website Becomes Accessible in India Again After Five Years of Ban

In what may prove to be a sensational return, TikTok seems to be returning to India. Having been banned in 2020, the short-video app's website has surprisingly opened up for a number of Indian users for the first time in five years. The move has raised eyebrows on social media, with many wondering if this is a sign that TikTok is gearing up for an official relaunch in the country.

ByteDance-owned TikTok was among the most popular apps in India, with millions of creators making careers out of content on the app. Its swift banishment in June 2020, however, created a huge void in the short-video content space, and homegrown rivals Moj, Chingari, Josh, and MX TakaTak stepped up to claim the space. As TikTok's app remains absent from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, the accessibility of the website suggests that a significant turn of events is likely around the corner.

Why Was TikTok Banned in India?

Back in June 2020, the Government of India prohibited TikTok, along with 58 other Chinese apps. The Ministry of Information Technology, in justifying the ban, accused these apps of having security issues, stating that they were "engaged in activities which are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, and public order."

It was done under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, read along with the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. Among the banned apps were TikTok, Shareit, UC Browser, Kwai, Vigo Video, Baidu Map, Clash of Kings, and DU Battery Saver. This action was regarded as part of India's aggressive digital attack on Chinese technology companies during heightened border tensions at the time.

A Realignment in India-China Relations

Ironically, the sudden availability of TikTok's site in India happens at a time when diplomatic relations between India and China appear to be warming up. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently paid a visit to New Delhi and met with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While on his visit, Wang Yi invited PM Modi for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit from August 31 through September 1, on behalf of President Xi Jinping.

The timing has caused many to draw conclusions, speculating that relaxing political tensions could pave the way for Chinese platforms such as TikTok to return to India. This comes on the back of the influence of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on India and China, which has brought the two Asian behemoths closer on some trade and diplomatic fronts indirectly.

What Does This Mean for Indian Creators?

For millions of Indian creators, the potential return of TikTok would be a game-changer. Even though Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become popular, many creators are still missing TikTok's algorithm, which allowed small creators to go viral overnight. If TikTok comes back officially, it might again transform India's short-video content landscape, once again offering new possibilities for influencers, brands, and businesses to connect with their audiences.

But experts also caution that it is ultimately in the hands of the Indian government. Even if the site is available, TikTok would require official approval to reissue its mobile application and resume full operations. Security for data, adherence to Indian regulations, and the geopolitical atmosphere at present will be determinant in TikTok's status in India.

TikTok's sudden digital re-emergence in India has fueled debates among users, policymakers, and creators. Though website accessibility is a major step, it comes with no guarantees of an official return for now. With India-China relations improving, the timing might suit ByteDance's plans to revive TikTok in one of its largest former markets.

Whether TikTok returns in its full glory or not, one thing is definite: India's short video space is going to see some significant developments in the near future.