Is TikTok returning to India, what is the truth?
TikTok India Comeback: For the last few days, there has been a lot of discussion in social media and tech world that TikTok is going to return to India. The reason is the company has started new recruitments in Gurugram office. But the question is: Is TikTok really returning to India?
No order issued to unblock TikTok: Govt
Both TikTok's parent company ByteDance and the Government of India have made it clear that this app is still banned in India. According to the government statement, no order has been issued to unblock TikTok. This is the reason why this app is not available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store even today. The ministry also clarified that all the news of TikTok's return are mere rumors.
TikTok released new job postings
However, TikTok has released new job postings for its Gurugram office in India. These recruitments include positions like Content Moderator (Bengali Speaker) and Wellbeing Partnership & Operations Lead. These postings have been put on LinkedIn and other professional platforms. This is the reason why this discussion started among the users that TikTok is preparing to return to India.
Govt had banned TikTok in Jume 2020
In June 2020, the Government of India banned 59 Chinese apps including TikTok. The main reasons behind this were: Concerns about data security; fear of data transfer to China; threat to national security
Instagram Reels has become most popular short video platform today
After the ban on TikTok, many local short video apps like Moj, Josh and MX TakaTak became increasingly popular in India. But the biggest benefit was to Instagram Reels, which has become the most popular short video platform in the country today.
TikTok will have to create a local data server
The company's new hiring in India definitely indicates that it is still keeping an eye on the Indian market. But TikTok will have to create a local data server, follow the rules and safety standards and get government approval to return. Just like Krafton re-launched BGMI (PUBG Mobile) in India under new rules.
At present the news of TikTok's return is a speculation, but the company is maintaining its interest in India. In the coming times, its future will depend on the agreement between the government and the company.