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| IMAGE SOURCE BY-Variety |
TikTok in the US: A Temporary Shutdown and a Comeback
On Saturday, TikTok faced a shutdown in the United States as ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, grappled with a deadline to sell its US subsidiary to non-Chinese buyers. However, the service was restored on Sunday after President-elect Donald Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban.
With over 170 million active users in the US, TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, transforming ordinary users into viral sensations. Despite its popularity, the app has faced scrutiny over disinformation and national security concerns due to its Chinese ownership.
TikTok expressed gratitude for the reprieve, stating: “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.”
TikTok’s India Journey: From Success to Ban
India played a pivotal role in TikTok’s global growth story. Launched in 2017, the app became a sensation, especially among regional language users. It provided a platform for millions of Indians—from teenage dancers to grandmothers sharing cooking tips—to create and connect.
By 2020, India was TikTok’s largest overseas market, boasting over 200 million active users. However, the app’s success was abruptly halted in June 2020 when the Indian government banned TikTok along with 50 other Chinese apps.
The decision followed escalating tensions between Indian and Chinese military forces along the border. Citing national security concerns, India’s government described the apps as a threat to sovereignty and user privacy.
Impact of the TikTok Ban in India
The TikTok ban reshaped India’s digital landscape. Following the app’s exit, local and international tech companies rushed to fill the void.
Emergence of TikTok Alternatives: Apps like Moj, MX TakaTak, and Chingari quickly gained traction among former TikTok users.
- Moj, launched by ShareChat in July 2020, achieved over 1 million downloads within its first week.
- By November 2020, 13 of the top 100 social apps on the Google Play Store in India were TikTok clones, according to Rest of World.
Global Expansion of TikTok: While India’s ban marked a significant setback, TikTok continued to expand its global footprint, focusing on markets like the US and Europe.
The ban also set a precedent for the Indian government to crack down on other digital platforms deemed a security risk. Activists argued this raised questions about digital rights and government control over technology.
The Bigger Picture: Tech Geopolitics
TikTok’s story in India highlights the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and national security. The app’s ban not only disrupted a thriving digital community but also spurred the growth of a new wave of local content platforms.
As TikTok regains momentum in the US, its India journey serves as a reminder of the challenges tech companies face in navigating geopolitical tensions.