TikTok Website Accessible, But Ban Still Blocked in India: What’s Really Going on in India?

TikTok's Partial Return Sparks Buzz

Over the past few days, several Indian users reported accessing TikTok’s website, igniting media buzz and hope for a potential revival of the popular short-video platform . However, this resurfacing is limited—users can only see parts of the site and cannot log in, watch videos, or download the app.

Despite the excitement, the Government of India has officially clarified that no unblocking order has been issued—and the app remains banned.

Tech platforms like TechCrunch also confirm that TikTok’s website access does not reflect a policy change.

Why Did India Ban TikTok in the First Place?

On June 29, 2020, India banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps, citing serious concerns about national security, data privacy, and sovereignty, especially in the backdrop of escalating border tensions with China.

The ban affected millions of Indian content creators and users who had built audiences and earned livelihoods on the platform.

What Does the Partial Website Access Mean?

Experts and officials agree that the temporary website accessibility is likely a technical anomaly, not a sign of policy easing or softening on the ban. The homepage may load, but functions like login, video playback, or app downloads remain disabled.

In short: TikTok remains inaccessible in India, with no official date or plan for return.

The Aftermath: India's Short-Video Ecosystem Rises

With TikTok gone, Indian platforms stepped in to fill the short-video gap:

• Moj (by ShareChat) launched in June 2020—amassing over 160 million monthly active users by early 2021.

• Josh, developed by VerSe Innovation (Dailyhunt), became a popular Indian alternative with support for regional languages and massive user base growth.

These platforms, along with MX TakaTak, Roposo, and YouTube Shorts, quickly became staples of India’s vibrant creator community.