Mumbai, August 22: Several social media users on Friday, August 22, claimed that the websites of Chinese platforms TikTok, AliExpress and Shein became unexpectedly accessible to some Indian users. Netizens claimed that these restricted Chinese platforms, which had a huge following in India in past, have returned after a five-year ban. However, the government confirmed that the ban on Chinese apps has not been lifted.

CNBC-TV18, citing government officials, reported that there has been no change in the Indian government's stance, and the ban on Chinese apps, including TikTok, AliExpress, and Shein, remains fully in effect. India-China Economic Ties: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Assures EAM S Jaishankar That Beijing Is Addressing Its Concerns Over Rare Earths, Fertilisers.

Users Claim TikTok Back in India

TikTok Website Goes Live in India, Netizens Say 

TikTok, AliExpress Websites Live in India? Govt Denies

Officials clarified that no directive has been issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) or any other authority to unblock these websites. Furthermore, the government has not received any application from TikTok or other banned platforms seeking a reversal of the ban orders.

The Indian government banned TikTok, AliExpress, and 57 other Chinese apps in June 2020, following deadly border clashes in the Galwan Valley, citing concerns related to national security, data privacy, and sovereignty. The ban was announced under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, with officials stating the apps were "prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India." TikTok Removes 24,954,128 Videos in Pakistan During Q1 2025 for ‘Violating’ Community Guidelines: Community Guidelines Enforcement Report.

Despite the recent thaw in diplomatic relations between India and China, highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier this week, government sources emphasised that the ban is neither interim nor time-bound. It remains in force unless explicitly revoked.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2025 11:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).