TikTok website unblocked in India after 5 years has become a surprising headline, leaving millions of internet users curious. The Chinese short-video platform’s homepage is now accessible in India after being restricted since June 2020. Alongside TikTok, the shopping websites AliExpress and Shein have also started opening on browsers. However, their mobile apps remain largely unavailable, except Shein, which has made a comeback on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
This development has sparked speculation about whether the Indian government has officially lifted the ban or if this is only a partial restoration. So far, neither TikTok’s parent company ByteDance nor India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued any statement.
Why Was TikTok Banned in India in 2020?
Back in June 2020, India imposed a sudden ban on TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps, citing national security concerns. The government announced that these apps were allegedly collecting sensitive data and possibly sharing it with Chinese authorities, which posed a risk to India’s sovereignty and user privacy.
The decision came soon after the India-China military clash in Galwan Valley, which had escalated tensions between the two nations. Over time, India expanded the list of banned apps, crossing 500 Chinese applications in total, covering everything from entertainment to shopping and utility services.
Current Access: Websites Unblocked, Apps Still Restricted
At present, users in India can only access the homepages of TikTok, AliExpress, and Shein through browsers on mobile and laptop devices. However:
- TikTok and AliExpress apps remain unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Shein’s app, on the other hand, is back on both platforms and can be installed.
- TikTok’s homepage is visible, but there is no clarity on whether users will be able to upload or watch videos through the website in the near future.
This partial unblocking suggests that the move may not be a complete reversal of the ban, but rather a technical change or a phased return.
No Official Confirmation Yet
One of the biggest questions is: Has the government really lifted the TikTok ban?
So far, there is no official confirmation from the Ministry of Electronics and IT. Similarly, ByteDance has not released any press statement explaining why the website is accessible again. This silence has created curiosity among users, with many waiting to see whether TikTok will officially re-enter the Indian market.
The Controversies Around TikTok
TikTok’s ban in India was not only linked to geopolitical tensions but also to content and privacy issues. The app had been accused of:
- Promoting pornographic and inappropriate content
- Failing to protect minors from harmful material
- Collecting and misusing user data
In fact, before the nationwide ban, the Madras High Court had temporarily banned TikTok in India, citing concerns about its influence on young people. Later, ByteDance challenged this decision in the Supreme Court but agreed to comply with Indian laws.
Financial Losses for ByteDance
The 2020 ban came as a major blow to ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Reports suggested that the company suffered a loss of $500,000 per day (around ₹3.5 crore) in revenue due to the ban in India.
At the time of the ban, TikTok had over 240 million Indian users, making India one of its largest markets outside China. The sudden removal from app stores drastically reduced its global user base and advertising income.
What TikTok Said at the Time of the Ban
When the ban was announced in 2020, Nikhil Gandhi, CEO of TikTok India, stated:
- The company complied with Indian laws on data privacy and security.
- TikTok never shared Indian user data with the Chinese government or any foreign authority.
- Even if requested in the future, ByteDance would not compromise user privacy.
- The platform considered India a key market and respected local culture and regulations.
Despite these assurances, the app remained banned due to ongoing political and security concerns.
The Bigger Picture: Chinese Apps in India
TikTok was not the only Chinese app to face restrictions. The Indian government also banned popular platforms like:
- UC Browser
- CamScanner
- PUBG Mobile (later reintroduced as Battlegrounds Mobile India)
- AliExpress
- Shein
The bans were part of India’s broader strategy to promote digital sovereignty and encourage local startups under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) campaign.
Why Is TikTok Website Accessible Again?
As of now, the exact reason for the TikTok website unblocked in India after 5 years is unclear. Possible explanations include:
- Technical Changes – Some of the website restrictions may have expired or been lifted due to server adjustments.
- Policy Revisions – The government may be reconsidering its stance, especially since other apps like PUBG have managed to return in modified forms.
- Testing Phase – ByteDance could be testing limited access to prepare for a potential official comeback.
Until an official announcement is made, these remain only speculations.
Public Reaction
The sudden accessibility of TikTok’s homepage has created a wave of discussion on social media. Many former TikTok creators in India are hopeful for a comeback, as they lost their massive fan following and income streams after the ban.
At the same time, a section of users and experts remain cautious, pointing out that concerns about data security and harmful content are still valid.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Status in 2020 | Status in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok App | Banned from Play Store & App Store | Still banned |
| TikTok Website | Blocked | Homepage accessible |
| AliExpress Website | Blocked | Homepage accessible |
| Shein App | Banned | Available on Play Store & App Store |
| Government Statement | Ban due to security issues | No new statement yet |
| ByteDance Statement | Claimed compliance with Indian laws | No update yet |
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Conclusion
The fact that the TikTok website unblocked in India after 5 years marks a significant development in India’s digital ecosystem. While users can now open the platform’s homepage, uncertainty remains about whether the app itself will ever return.
Until official confirmation arrives from the government or ByteDance, the situation will continue to generate speculation. For now, it is safe to say that TikTok’s partial revival has reopened debates about data privacy, security, and digital freedom in India.
If TikTok does manage a comeback, it could once again reshape India’s short-video landscape, where apps like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Moj currently dominate.
