Government Denies Issuing Order to Lift TikTok Ban

Swift Summary:

• The Indian government has clarified that the ban on TikTok remains intact, and no unblocking order has been issued despite accessibility too TikTok’s website for some users.
• Users have reported being able to access the TikTok website but cannot log in or watch videos as the app remains unavailable on app stores.
• India originally banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese mobile applications in June 2020 following concerns over data collection and national security after tensions during the Galwan Valley clashes.
• The government had cited thes apps’ activities as “prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity, defense of India, security of state, and public order.”
• Recent India-China relations show signs of advancement with resumed border trade through key passes, plans for direct flight connectivity between the two nations, and an updated Air Services Agreement under discussion.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China from August 31 to September 1 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin; bilateral meetings are expected during this trip.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
India’s decision to maintain its stance on banning Chinese apps underscores its firm position on national cybersecurity concerns since 2020. While some users observing partial accessibility may cause confusion, it is clear that authorities are not easing restrictions without addressing underlying issues such as data privacy risks.

The recent warming of diplomatic ties between India and China-via resumed trading routes, direct flights planning between mainland China and India, visa facilitation initiatives-indicates progress toward normalizing relations after years of strain. However, these developments do not seem to influence technology-related policy decisions such as app bans tied directly to cybersecurity threats.

With Prime Minister modi set to attend major international engagements like the SCO summit alongside chinese leadership later this month, further signals regarding bilateral collaborations or continued strategic firmness may emerge.

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