Recent reports suggesting that the Indian government has lifted the ban on TikTok are false and misleading. Government sources have explicitly stated that no such order has been issued to unblock the Chinese social media platform. This clarification comes in response to claims from several users who reported being able to access the TikTok website in India.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reaffirmed that the ban imposed on TikTok in June 2020 remains in effect. While some users could access the website's homepage, the TikTok app remains unavailable on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Furthermore, even those who could access the website were unable to log in, upload content, or watch videos. Sources within the Department of Telecommunications have indicated that internet service providers are still blocking the website, raising questions about how some users gained access.

The Indian government initially banned 59 mobile applications, predominantly Chinese, including TikTok, UC Browser, and WeChat, on grounds that these apps were "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order". This decision was made amidst heightened border tensions with China, specifically following the Galwan Valley clashes in eastern Ladakh in 2020. The ban was backed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who approved a recommendation from the then-Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla before the IT ministry formally issued the order. Subsequently, more apps, including PUBG, were also blocked.

TikTok has stated that it has complied with the government's order and has not shared Indian user data with any foreign government, including China. The company has also claimed to have been invited to meet with government stakeholders to address concerns and provide clarifications.