The tech world and social media have recently been buzzing with the idea of TikTok’s return to India. This speculation is spurred by the brief availability of the app and the company’s new job postings in its Gurugram office. Let’s delve into what’s truly happening.
TikTok remains banned in India. Both TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and the Indian government have affirmed that the app is still prohibited in the country, and a quick return is not anticipated. According to the Indian government, no order has been issued to unblock TikTok. The app is still not available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The ministry has refuted any reports about TikTok’s comeback as misinformation.
TikTok is hiring in India. Despite the ban, TikTok has initiated new job postings for its Gurugram office, including roles like Content Moderator (Bengali Speaker) and Wellbeing Partnership & Operations Lead. These positions have been advertised on LinkedIn and other professional platforms. This has led users to believe a possible TikTok return.
Why was TikTok banned? In June 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps, citing concerns about data security, potential data transfer to China, and threats to national security.
Who benefited from the TikTok ban? The ban on TikTok provided opportunities for several local short video apps like Moj, Josh, and MX TakaTak, which gained popularity. However, Instagram Reels emerged as the biggest beneficiary, becoming the most popular short video platform in the country.
Will TikTok actually return? The company’s active hiring in India indicates a continued interest in the Indian market. To facilitate a possible return, TikTok would need to establish local data servers in India, comply with all regulations and safety standards, and secure fresh approvals from the government. This is akin to Krafton’s strategy for bringing BGMI (PUBG Mobile) back to India, which involved establishing local servers and adhering to updated rules.