The Government of India has officially clarified that TikTok and AliExpress remain banned in India, dismissing recent rumors of their return. Despite some users noticing that the websites of both platforms had become accessible, officials have confirmed that no formal order has been issued to lift the ban.
This means both TikTok, the Chinese short-video app, and AliExpress, the e-commerce marketplace owned by Alibaba, continue to remain inaccessible via app stores and are not legally permitted to operate in the country.
Why the Confusion?
Over the past few days, several users reported that they could access TikTok’s official website as well as the AliExpress homepage from India. This sparked speculation that the platforms were being restored after nearly five years of ban.
However, the government has clarified that:
- No official unblock order has been issued.
- Website accessibility is likely due to technical anomalies, not policy changes.
- Apps are still unavailable on Google Play Store and Apple App Store, confirming the ban is active.
The History of TikTok and AliExpress Ban in India
- In June 2020, the Indian government banned TikTok, AliExpress, and over 250 other Chinese apps, citing national security and data privacy concerns under Section 69A of the IT Act.
- TikTok, which had over 200 million users in India, was among the biggest losses for the Chinese tech ecosystem.
- AliExpress, widely used for low-cost imports, was also blocked due to similar data-sharing concerns.
Since then, both platforms have remained banned, though several local alternatives have grown, such as Moj, Josh, and Meesho.
Official Statement on TikTok and AliExpress Ban
Government officials reiterated that there has been no change in India’s stance on banned Chinese apps. Any claims of unblocking are “false and misleading.”
This clarification comes after political opposition questioned whether the government was “softening its stance on China” following reports of TikTok’s website being accessible.
What This Means for Users
- TikTok remains inaccessible on mobile app stores in India.
- AliExpress continues to be restricted, preventing users from shopping on the platform.
- Any alternative access is considered unofficial and unauthorized.
Users are advised to rely only on verified platforms for social media and e-commerce to avoid security risks.
The Road Ahead
Unless there is a formal government notification, the TikTok and AliExpress ban in India will continue. Industry experts believe the chances of these apps returning are slim, given India’s push for homegrown apps and digital sovereignty.
For now, Indian alternatives in short video and e-commerce are expected to continue filling the gap left by these Chinese giants.
