India bans Chinese apps: TikTok has many issues but banning it for exposing our cultural problems is pointless and counter-productive
4 years, 8 months ago

India bans Chinese apps: TikTok has many issues but banning it for exposing our cultural problems is pointless and counter-productive

Firstpost  

Rather than banning TikTok, one must have honest conversations around the cultural issues that are being reflected on the social media platform, and develop societal solutions Editor’s Note: The Indian government, on 29 June, banned 59 mobile apps. The reach, scale and level of engagement make TikTok India’s most influential app that seems to have broken through the access barriers of ethnicity, age, class, gender, geography and even socio-economic status in a way that other social media apps cannot dream of. According to the lawsuit, not only has the app transferred data to Chinese government through a backdoor, it also surreptitiously took “user content, such as draft videos never intended for publication, without user knowledge or consent.” These are serious charges that forced TikTok, at least in the US, to open a “ transparency centre ” in its Los Angeles office. #BanTikToklnlndia https://t.co/bnIoZAB6HH — Palki Sharma May 19, 2020 In fact, TikTok was briefly banned in India last year for encouraging pornography and making underage users vulnerable to sexual predators.

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History of this topic

RedNote App Review | Can this Chinese app replace TikTok?
1 week, 2 days ago

RedNote App Review | Can this Chinese app replace TikTok?

The Hindu  

As TikTok’s life hangs in the balance, users are scrambling to find instant entertainment alternatives in unknown corners of the internet. Data privacy While much ado has been made of hypothetical Chinese spies stealing American users’ data, a cursory glance at the data privacy information for RedNote on the Google Play Store shows that the Chinese social media app collects …

TikTok accuses Australia of favouritism in social media crackdown, targets YouTube’s special treatment
Trending News
3 weeks, 3 days ago

TikTok accuses Australia of favouritism in social media crackdown, targets YouTube’s special treatment

Live Mint  

TikTok has strongly criticised the Australian government for exempting YouTube from a sweeping social media crackdown that will see under-16s banned from most platforms, reported Bloomberg. Meta’s submission stated that the special treatment afforded to YouTube “makes a mockery of the government’s stated intention to protect young people.” However, TikTok’s response has been the most outspoken, reflecting its frustration that …

With TikTok future uncertain in US, Instagram plans new Reels app: Report – Firstpost
1 month ago

With TikTok future uncertain in US, Instagram plans new Reels app: Report – Firstpost

Firstpost  

TikTok is facing a US law that ordered the company to break off from its Chinese owner ByteDance or otherwise be banned in the United States over national security concerns regarding the data it gathers on users Instagram is considering rolling out a new app exclusively for its short-form video feature Reels. The development comes as TikTok’s future in the …

TikTok returns to US stores as rival Xiaohongshu sees 91% drop in downloads
1 month, 1 week ago

TikTok returns to US stores as rival Xiaohongshu sees 91% drop in downloads

Hindustan Times  

ByteDance Ltd.’s TikTok is back on US mobile stores and the app that seemed poised to take its place has suffered a precipitous drop in interest. In the five days following TikTok’s relisting on Apple Inc.’s iPhone app store and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Play, downloads of social app Xiaohongshu plummeted by 91%, according to Sensor Tower data. Also known as …

India bans 119 Chinese apps from Google Play Store citing national security concerns
1 month, 1 week ago

India bans 119 Chinese apps from Google Play Store citing national security concerns

India TV News  

India bans 119 Chinese apps from Google Play Store citing national security concerns The government has launched a digital strike, ordering the removal of 119 Chinese apps from the Google Play Store. The government has launched another digital crackdown, instructing the removal of 119 Chinese apps from the Google Play Store. This isn’t the first time; India initiated a digital …

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US
1 month, 1 week ago

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

Deccan Chronicle  

TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S., after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a TikTok ban.TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on Jan. 18 to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app or be banned in …

President Donald Trump postpones TikTok ban, App reinstated on Apple and Google Stores
1 month, 2 weeks ago

President Donald Trump postpones TikTok ban, App reinstated on Apple and Google Stores

Live Mint  

After being temporarily removed from digital marketplaces, TikTok has returned to Apple and Google’s app stores in the United States. The return follows President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone the enforcement of a ban that would have permanently barred the app from the country. This brief interruption led to an exodus of users flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media …

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

Associated Press  

HONG KONG — TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the U.S., after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a TikTok ban. TikTok, which is operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, was removed from Apple and Google’s app stores on Jan. 18 to comply with a law that requires ByteDance to divest the app …

TikTok returns on Apple, Google app stores as Trump delays ban
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns on Apple, Google app stores as Trump delays ban

The Hindu  

TikTok returned on the U.S. app stores of Apple and Google on Thursday, as President Donald Trump delayed its ban until April 5 and assured the companies they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining the Chinese app. The popular short video app, used by 170 million American users, started restoring its services, weeks after the app went dark, …

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US after Donald Trump delayed ban
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in US after Donald Trump delayed ban

India Today  

TikTok returned to the US app stores of Apple and Google on Thursday as President Donald Trump delayed a ban on the Chinese-owned social media app and assured the tech giants they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining it. Although TikTok resumed service after Trump's assurances, Google opens new tab and Apple opens new tab kept the app …

TikTok returns to US app stores after Trump delays ban
Top News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to US app stores after Trump delays ban

Al Jazeera  

Apple and Google have made the video-sharing app available again amid national security concerns from some US officials. TikTok has returned to the app stores of Apple and Google in the United States after President Donald Trump delayed the enforcement of a ban on the popular social media app, operated by Chinese technology firm ByteDance. The app’s fate had been …

TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the U.S.
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores in the U.S.

LA Times  

TikTok is once again available on Apple’s app store and Google Play. Apple and Google have restored TikTok to their U.S. app stores after President Trump delayed enforcement of a law that requires the popular video app to divest or face a nationwide ban. TikTok responded by suing the U.S. government, saying a ban would violate 1st Amendment rights and …

TikTok returns to US Apple and Google app stores after Trump's ban delay
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok returns to US Apple and Google app stores after Trump's ban delay

ABC  

Social media platform TikTok has returned to Apple and Google mobile app stores in the United States after President Donald Trump delayed its ban until April 5 and assured the tech giants they would not be fined for distributing or maintaining the Chinese app. TikTok, used by 170 million Americans, started restoring its services on AAPL.O and GOOGLE.O on Thursday, …

TikTok is back in Apple, Google app stores in U.S.
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok is back in Apple, Google app stores in U.S.

Salon  

TikTok is back in Apple and Google app stores in the U.S., nearly a month after it was removed from them. Related TikTok Shop booming while facing a ban After receiving assurance from the Department of Justice that the ban would not be enforced, TikTok has reappeared in the app stores and is available to download again, according to The …

36 Banned Chinese apps in India, now available on Google Play Store and App Store
1 month, 2 weeks ago

36 Banned Chinese apps in India, now available on Google Play Store and App Store

India TV News  

Chinese apps make a comeback in India: In 2020, India banned several Chinese apps due to security concerns. Following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps, including UC Browser, Shein, and TikTok, citing security risks. Popular apps that have returned Many of the previously banned apps are now available again, either under a new …

Many banned Chinese apps make comeback in India: Will TikTok return?
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Many banned Chinese apps make comeback in India: Will TikTok return?

India Today  

Many of the Chinese apps that were banned in 2020 following the India-China border tensions have made a return to the Play Store in India as diplomatic relations between the two countries improve. With the evolving political landscape, the return of some of the banned Chinese apps - the question on everyone's mind is: Will TikTok make a comeback to …

TikTok ban ‘on official devices remains’ as Government launches account
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok ban ‘on official devices remains’ as Government launches account

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A ban on using TikTok on UK Government phones remains in …

Many banned Chinese apps re-appear as India-China ties warm up
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Many banned Chinese apps re-appear as India-China ties warm up

India Today  

Remember hundreds of Chinese apps were banned in 2020? After four years, India Today's Open-Source Intelligence team reviewed more than 200 of the banned mobile applications and found that original or clone versions of at least 36 of them were available either on Google's Play Store or Apple's App Store or on both platforms as of February 10. Similarly, Xender …

TikTok to let U.S. Android users download app via kits on its website
1 month, 2 weeks ago

TikTok to let U.S. Android users download app via kits on its website

The Hindu  

TikTok said on Friday it was allowing U.S. Android users to download and connect to the short video app through package kits on its website, in an effort to circumvent restrictions on the popular platform in the country. Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok to their app stores since a U.S. law took effect on January 19 requiring its …

TikTok Stole Our Hearts, but Can It Last?
55 years, 2 months ago

TikTok Stole Our Hearts, but Can It Last?

Wired  

Lauren Goode: That is one of the hardest languages to learn, so godspeed to you. Well, we're going to go to one that's fully based in China, definitely does not have servers in the United States to the extent that TikTok does. In fact, we're going to be posting memes and jokes about saying goodbye to our trusted Chinese spy." …

Are You A Bad Person For Using TikTok? How To Handle The 'Ick' For Apps You Don't Want To Quit.
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Are You A Bad Person For Using TikTok? How To Handle The 'Ick' For Apps You Don't Want To Quit.

Huff Post  

Illustration: HuffPost; Photos: Getty Creators shared advice for how they are changing the ways they engage with social media while also managing their "ick." For LGBTQ+ travel creator Kristin Holden, social media is her primary income and how she earned around $40,000 last year, but it’s also a major source of “ick.” Holden’s first thought on seeing the TikTok pop-up …

Shein is back in India after 5 years, but why was it banned in 2020?
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Shein is back in India after 5 years, but why was it banned in 2020?

Firstpost  

Gen Z’s favourite fast-fashion label has made a comeback in India. The app was banned in 2020 by the government over national security concerns China’s fast fashion brand Shein is back in India. Reliance Retail has launched an app to sell Shein’s economical products in India. Shein’s India comeback Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance launched the Shein India Fast Fashion app …

Why TikTok threat in poll-bound Germany is wake-up call for India
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Why TikTok threat in poll-bound Germany is wake-up call for India

India Today  

Even as the world reacts to Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek with shock, the country’s TikTok social media platform is back in the news due to concerns over security, misinformation and political influencing. The TikTok debate in Germany mirrors global anxieties over social media’s role in spreading disinformation, thus raising critical questions for India, where similar threats persist in the form …

Five years after TikTok ban, Indians also join Chinese ‘refuge’ Xiaohongshu
2 months ago

Five years after TikTok ban, Indians also join Chinese ‘refuge’ Xiaohongshu

The Hindu  

Even as the fate of social media platform TikTok hangs in the balance in the U.S. — with a ban being postponed for a few weeks by President Donald Trump — Xiaohongshu, a Chinese platform resembling TikTok, has welcomed “refugees” from the beleaguered service, and many users have stayed on even. Now, a trickle of Indian users are also joining …

TikTok users claim increased restrictions on speech after US revival under Trump order
2 months ago

TikTok users claim increased restrictions on speech after US revival under Trump order

Live Mint  

TikTok users in the United States are raising concerns over signs of increased censorship on the platform, following its recent revival under an executive order from former President Donald Trump. Once hailed as a haven for free speech, the app—owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance—appears to be undergoing significant changes, with some users reporting heightened content moderation and restrictions on …

VPN sales spike in the US as TikTok users face access restrictions
2 months ago

VPN sales spike in the US as TikTok users face access restrictions

India Today  

The latest addition to the TikTok survival guide is a VPN service, soaring in demand as users scramble to recover their lost content. As users wait for the app’s return to the official app stores, many who deleted the application are turning to alternatives like VPNs, or virtual private networks to recover their content. TikTok’s app remains unavailable from Apple’s …

TikTok farce has damaging repercussions
2 months ago

TikTok farce has damaging repercussions

China Daily  

The resumption of TikTok's basic functions in the United States, after it was temporarily suspended on Saturday, is definitely good news for its 170 million users in the country, including the 7 million small businesses that rely on the social media platform. However, the new US leader's statement on his Truth Social platform that he would like the US to …

TikTok: A Chinese trojan horse in democracies
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok: A Chinese trojan horse in democracies

Firstpost  

TikTok’s algorithmic manipulation is to curate China’s peaceful intentions, glorify China’s developmental experience, blunt criticism of the communist party, and promote tourism in China while painting others as declining powers, aggressors, or even incompetent Even though China debarred global social internet sites like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Yahoo, and others more than a decade ago, the issue of proscription of …

5 Years of TikTok Ban in India: Which countries have banned the app and why?
2 months, 1 week ago

5 Years of TikTok Ban in India: Which countries have banned the app and why?

India TV News  

India’s ban on TikTok completed five years in January 2025 and marks the move as a significant milestone in the global flight over the app’s controversial nature. ByteDance-owned TikTok ban was a part of a broader move towards addressing the concerns over national security, cyber threats and online content regulation which were not matching with the security protocol of the …

TikTok back in US: A look at its India journey and what happened after 2020 ban
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok back in US: A look at its India journey and what happened after 2020 ban

Live Mint  

From teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips, video-sharing app TikTok has been embraced for its ability to transform an ordinary person into a global celebrity when a video goes viral. TikTok’s India journey and govt ban Indian users had flocked to TikTok as early as 2017. Citing national security concerns, India banned TikTok along with more than 50 other …

RedNote Recruited US Influencers to Promote App Amid TikTok Ban Uncertainty
55 years, 2 months ago

RedNote Recruited US Influencers to Promote App Amid TikTok Ban Uncertainty

Wired  

As TikTok’s future hangs in the balance, Xiaohonghshu, better known as RedNote in English, is trying to capitalize on its newfound popularity by partnering with US influencers who can help promote the company and bring more Americans onto its platform. The Chinese lifestyle and travel app, which has over 300 million mostly monthly active users, surged to the top of …

TikTok ban live updates: Chinese app back after Trump promises to restore it but US redownloads not available
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok ban live updates: Chinese app back after Trump promises to restore it but US redownloads not available

The Independent  

✕ Close TikTok goes dark in the U.S. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Chinese-owned social media app …

Why was TikTok banned in the US?
Top News
2 months, 1 week ago

Why was TikTok banned in the US?

Hindustan Times  

The TikTok users in the US couldn't access the popular video sharing app late Saturday night due to the ban upheld by the Supreme Court last week. A message welcoming users back and thanking US President-elect Donald Trump on the TikTok app on a smartphone arranged in Arlington, Virginia, US, on Sunday. Here is why TikTok banned in the US …

‘Something needs to change,’ says Musk on China's X ban as TikTok resumes operations in the US
2 months, 1 week ago

‘Something needs to change,’ says Musk on China's X ban as TikTok resumes operations in the US

Firstpost  

While TikTok’s comeback has sparked celebrations, the ongoing debates surrounding its ban in the US and X’s ban in China continue to stir up controversy, especially for Musk. Musk stated that the situation is "unbalanced" and added, “Something needs to change.” Image Credit: Reuters Over the weekend, TikTok’s US-based users rejoiced as the platform was restored after being briefly banned. …

Alternative to TikTok? Douyin now open to international users, claim netizens
2 months, 1 week ago

Alternative to TikTok? Douyin now open to international users, claim netizens

Live Mint  

Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, which is limited to domestic users can now be accessed internationally amid the brief ban of the popular social media platform TikTok, according to a few X users. I just tried it myself with a foreign phone number and it's true: you can now join Douyin - the Chinese version of TikTok - as …

TikTok ban: Why did India ban TikTok five years ago?
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok ban: Why did India ban TikTok five years ago?

The Hindu  

TikTok, the popular short-video app, was just about to face a shut down in the U.S. after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the app to be sold by its Chinese parent company ByteDance or banned on Sunday in the United States on national security grounds but Donald Trump came to the rescue, giving them more time to find an approved …

TikTok restores service for US users based on Trump's promised executive order
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok restores service for US users based on Trump's promised executive order

Deccan Chronicle  

TikTok restored service to users in the United States on Sunday just hours after the popular video-sharing platform went dark in response to a federal ban, which President-elect Donald Trump said he would try to pause by executive order on his first day in office.Trump said he planned to issue the order to give TikTok’s China-based parent company more time …

‘It took the air out of me’: How TikTok creators reacted to the chaotic ban — and Trump’s sudden reprieve
2 months, 1 week ago

‘It took the air out of me’: How TikTok creators reacted to the chaotic ban — and Trump’s sudden reprieve

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. After Trump promised to grant the app's Chinese owners more time to find a …

Relieved US TikTok enthusiasts hope 'magic' returns as app is restored
2 months, 1 week ago

Relieved US TikTok enthusiasts hope 'magic' returns as app is restored

Hindustan Times  

* Relieved US TikTok enthusiasts hope 'magic' returns as app is restored Trump reverses previous stance, saves TikTok from ban * Users worry about potential changes in TikTok ownership * Content creators express distrust in government over TikTok ban By Doyinsola Oladipo NEW YORK, - On Saturday night, for the first time in five years, millions of American TikTok users …

TikTok ban sparks outrage, branded as 'PR Stunt' by social media users
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok ban sparks outrage, branded as 'PR Stunt' by social media users

India Today  

The controversy surrounding TikTok’s temporary ban in the U.S. has ignited heated debates online, with many users calling it a blatant public relations move. In an official statement, TikTok said, “We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing …

China urges US to give Tiktok free speech
2 months, 1 week ago

China urges US to give Tiktok free speech

China Daily  

The logo of TikTok is seen on the screen of a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, March 13, 2024. China urged the United States on Monday to listen to rational voices over the social media app TikTok and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for market entities from various countries operating in the US. Foreign …

Is TikTok back online in the U.S.? Several users report access to website version
2 months, 1 week ago

Is TikTok back online in the U.S.? Several users report access to website version

Live Mint  

TikTok US ban: Several US users reported being able to access TikTok's website on Sunday, despite a law that would shut down the popular Chinese-owned app on national security grounds. According to Reuters, the app itself was not immediately available, but users in the US appeared to bypass the shutdown and access the service’s website directly. Although the app was …

Is the Tiktok ban lifted? American users report being able to access the app again after it went dark
2 months, 1 week ago

Is the Tiktok ban lifted? American users report being able to access the app again after it went dark

Daily Mail  

Hope may be on the horizon for millions of TikTok users as the social media platform has shown the first signs of recovery following its dramatic shutdown. TikTok appears to be 'back online' after some users report regaining access to the social media platform - with limited functionality - after the app went dark early Sunday. TikTok appears to be …

TikTok Ban Fallout: Will UK and other US allies also ban the social media platform?
2 months, 1 week ago

TikTok Ban Fallout: Will UK and other US allies also ban the social media platform?

Live Mint  

US's ban on TikTok is expected to spread to its allied countries and beyond in case the upcoming Donald Trump administration decides to keep the social media platform offline, reported the news portal BBC, citing analysts. Currently, the social media application has been switched offline in America after the US lawmakers deemed it a national security risk due to the …

Trump says he will issue executive order delaying TikTok ban, proposes 50% US ownership
2 months, 1 week ago

Trump says he will issue executive order delaying TikTok ban, proposes 50% US ownership

Firstpost  

President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to issue an executive order that would give TikTok’s China-based parent company more time to find an approved buyer before the popular video-sharing platform is subject to a permanent U.S.ban. “I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture,” the Republican posted on his Truth Social platform, …

Missing TikTok? Continue watching our viral content right here
2 months, 1 week ago

Missing TikTok? Continue watching our viral content right here

Daily Mail  

Following the US shutdown of TikTok, many of the platform's 170 million American users are scrambling to find a replacement. Luckily, DailyMail.com is on hand to continue delivering the viral videos that made us the world’s biggest news site on the platform. DailyMail.com is on hand to continue delivering the viral videos that made us the world’s biggest news site …

How TikTok grew from a fun app for teens into a potential national security threat
2 months, 1 week ago

How TikTok grew from a fun app for teens into a potential national security threat

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — If it feels like TikTok has been around forever, that’s probably because it has, at least if you’re measuring via internet time. The Supreme Court on Friday unanimously upheld the federal law banning TikTok, and the popular short form video service went dark in the U.S. — just hours before the ban was set to begin. December …

How TikTok became the world’s most controversial app
2 months, 1 week ago

How TikTok became the world’s most controversial app

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app …

Not just TikTok - Which other ByteDance apps have been banned in the US?
2 months, 1 week ago

Not just TikTok - Which other ByteDance apps have been banned in the US?

Live Mint  

TikTok ban: "A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the US. Several other apps owned by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, such as Lemon 8, CapCut among others have also been blocked for US based users, reported Wired. TikTok disconnected access to its users in the US late January 18 after no action was taken shortly before a national ban …

What is Lemon8 app? The TikTok alternative gaining popularity that may also face a ban
2 months, 1 week ago

What is Lemon8 app? The TikTok alternative gaining popularity that may also face a ban

The Independent  

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. President-elect Donald Trump has said he would “most likely” give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban …

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