The tech world is buzzing with speculation about TikTok’s return to India. Recent developments, such as the temporary opening of the app and the company’s new hiring initiatives in Gurugram, have fueled these rumors. But what’s really happening?
It is important to note that TikTok is still banned in India. Both ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, and the Indian government have confirmed this. There is no indication of an immediate unblocking. The app remains inaccessible on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The government has dismissed any reports of a TikTok comeback as mere speculation.
Notwithstanding the ban, TikTok has started hiring for its Gurugram office. Job postings, including roles like Content Moderator (Bengali Speaker) and Wellbeing Partnership & Operations Lead, have surfaced on platforms like LinkedIn. These postings have contributed to the belief that TikTok might be preparing for a return.
The ban on TikTok, along with 59 other Chinese apps, was imposed by the Indian government in June 2020. The primary reasons cited were data security concerns, the risk of data being transferred to China, and potential threats to national security.
The ban on TikTok created opportunities for local short video apps such as Moj, Josh, and MX TakaTak. However, Instagram Reels saw the most significant growth, becoming the leading short video platform in India.
The company’s recent hiring activity in India suggests that it is still evaluating the market. A potential return would involve establishing local data servers in India, adhering to local regulations and safety protocols, and securing necessary approvals from the government. This approach mirrors Krafton’s strategy in reintroducing BGMI (PUBG Mobile) to the Indian market, which included setting up local servers and meeting new compliance standards.