After a long wait of five years, the websites of Chinese video platform TikTok and shopping site AliExpress have resumed in India. However, TikTok's app is still not available on Google Play Store and Apple Store.
In 2020, the Indian government banned many Chinese apps including TikTok in the name of national security. Now there is enthusiasm among the users due to the unblocking of these websites, but there is no clear picture on the return of the apps yet.
What is the whole matter?
In 2020, tension was at its peak in the Galwan Valley during the India-China border dispute. At that time, the Indian government had banned 59 Chinese apps like TikTok, UC Browser, Shareit.
The government said that these apps are a threat to India's security and data privacy. This ban was imposed under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act 2000.
Now, after five years, the websites of TikTok and AliExpress have reopened in India. Some users say that they are able to watch videos on the TikTok website, but there is no option to download the app yet.
Indian users can now also shop online on AliExpress. However, TikTok's parent company ByteDance or AliExpress have not issued any official statement in this regard.
Effect of softening of India-China relations?
The return of the websites of TikTok and AliExpress has come at a time when some improvement is being seen in the relations between India and China.
Recently, in the meeting of PM Narendra Modi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, issues like peace on the border, increasing trade and investment were discussed. Experts believe that the unblocking of these websites can be a sign of better relations between the two countries.
Still, the Indian government has not made any official announcement regarding lifting the ban on the apps.
Increased pressure on TikTok in America
When the website of TikTok is opening in India, difficulties are increasing on this platform in America. ByteDance has been warned to sell its operations in the US or face a ban. Meanwhile, the White House recently launched its official TikTok account.
The very first post shared a video of President Donald Trump, in which he said, "Every day I pledge to deliver a better life for the people of America."
Users excited, but questions remain
Users are excited about the unblocking of TikTok and AliExpress websites in India, but many questions remain unanswered.
Will the apps also be unblocked soon? Is this part of the improvement in India-China relations? At present, answers to these questions are awaited.
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