TikTok sparks comeback buzz in India 5 years after ban: Website live for some, app still missing

TikTok’s website has become accessible for some users in India, sparking speculation about a possible return five years after the platform was banned. While the homepage loads for certain users, others report continued blocks, and there has been no official word from the company about a relaunch. The app is still missing from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Tests show limited functionality: clicking “Newsroom” triggers a geo-restriction notice saying the service isn’t available in the user’s country or region, and “Careers” returns a “503 Service Temporarily Unavailable” error. Multiple users on social media also report mixed access, with some unable to reach the site at all.

Why TikTok was banned in 2020
In 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps—such as Shareit and CamScanner—citing national security concerns. The Ministry of Electronics and IT said the apps were prejudicial to India’s sovereignty and integrity, defense, security of the state, and public order.

Global context
TikTok faces regulatory pressure elsewhere too. In the United States, the platform is under threat of a ban, with the White House signaling openness to an American acquisition of TikTok’s US assets and extensions to facilitate a sale. Separately, TikTok is restructuring its UK operations, laying off staff as part of a move to centralize and lean more on AI for content moderation.

At present, there is no confirmation of a formal India comeback. Access appears inconsistent and functionality limited, suggesting any change, if planned, has not yet been fully implemented.