TikTok is shutting operations in India after govt refuses to lift ban

Days after the Indian government made it clear that the ban on Chinese apps, which was announced in June 2020 after the Galwan Valley faceoff, will continue, TikTok is shutting down its India operations.

ByteDance, the owners of TikTok, held a town hall on Wednesday where it reportedly communicated the decision to its executives.

A ByteDance spokesman confirmed the development in a statement. 

The statement said, "It is deeply regretful that after supporting our 2,000-plus employees in India for more than half a year, we have no choice but to scale back the size of our workforce. We look forward to receiving the opportunity to rela­unch TikTok and support the hundr­eds of millions of users, artists, storytellers, educators, and performers in India."

ByteDance, the owners of TikTok, held a town hall on Wednesday where it reportedly communicated the decision to its executives.

A ByteDance spokesman confirmed the development in a statement. 

The statement said, "It is deeply regretful that after supporting our 2,000-plus employees in India for more than half a year, we have no choice but to scale back the size of our workforce. We look forward to receiving the opportunity to rela­unch TikTok and support the hundr­eds of millions of users, artists, storytellers, educators, and performers in India."

"We have worked stead­fastly to comply with the Government of India orders issued on June 29, 2020. We continually strive to make our apps comply with local laws and regulations and do our best to address any concerns they have. It is, therefore, disappointing that in the ensuing seven months, despite our efforts, we have not been given a clear direction on how and when our apps could be reinstated," the statement said.

Between June to December 2020, the Indian government had issued multiple orders under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act banning 220 Chinese apps in total.

According to the government, the action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order.

"We have worked stead­fastly to comply with the Government of India orders issued on June 29, 2020. We continually strive to make our apps comply with local laws and regulations and do our best to address any concerns they have. It is, therefore, disappointing that in the ensuing seven months, despite our efforts, we have not been given a clear direction on how and when our apps could be reinstated," the statement said.

Between June to December 2020, the Indian government had issued multiple orders under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act banning 220 Chinese apps in total.

According to the government, the action was taken based on the inputs regarding these apps for engaging in activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state and public order.

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