New Delhi : The Government of India has clarified that there has been no lifting of the ban on Chinese apps like TikTok and AliExpress, dismissing circulating reports as “false and misleading.” Officials confirmed that the ban imposed in 2020 remains fully in force and no new order has been issued to restore access.
The clarification came after users noticed that the websites of TikTok and AliExpress briefly became accessible, sparking speculation about a possible return. However, the platforms remain non-functional—TikTok videos cannot be accessed or uploaded, and the apps are still unavailable on Google Play and Apple App Store in India.
The development also triggered political reactions. The Congress party accused the Centre of “cozying up to China”, drawing parallels with a ceasefire with Pakistan.
The clarification comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on August 31–September 1, but government sources reiterated that national security and data privacy remain top priorities.
