The Indian government has officially dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that TikTok, AliExpress, and Shein had made a return to India. The apps, which were banned in June 2020 along with 58 other Chinese-owned platforms, remain prohibited over national security and data protection concerns. Reports surfaced online claiming that TikTok’s website was accessible in India, but users could not proceed beyond the homepage. Similarly, limited access to AliExpress and Shein’s websites sparked speculation, though shopping and transactions remained unavailable.
Authorities clarified that these apps have not been reinstated and the ban imposed following the Galwan Valley clash continues. The Ministry highlighted that TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, was flagged for misuse of Indian user data and suspected links to espionage activities. The ban, imposed weeks after the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley, was one of the strongest digital measures taken by the government against Chinese technology firms.
In February this year, some of the previously banned Chinese apps resurfaced on Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India, either in modified forms or as clone versions. Apps such as Xender and TanTan were available for download, sparking curiosity among users. However, TikTok, which had been one of the most popular apps in India before the ban, remained absent. Investigations by open-source intelligence teams found that at least 36 banned apps, in original or cloned form, were accessible on Indian platforms by February 2025.
Despite these developments, officials confirmed that TikTok’s ban has not been lifted and no permission has been granted for its return. The government continues to prioritize national security, citing risks of data misuse and the geopolitical tensions that led to the original ban. With India having been one of TikTok’s largest markets, rumors about its comeback quickly gain traction, but the latest statement makes it clear that the app remains barred. The ongoing restrictions underline India’s firm stance on safeguarding digital sovereignty while managing cross-border technology risks.
