Is TikTok Making a Return To India?

The Indian government banned 117 applications in June 2020, including TikTok, PUBG and WeChat, for being a threat to national security.

The Indian government stated that these apps are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, the security of the state, and public order”.

Prior to its ban, PUBG Mobile announced a new Indian version and is aiming for a relaunch it in its biggest market.

TikTok also hopes to make such a comeback to India, where it had a huge market.

The lockdown in India was in full effect by March 2020, hence TikTok India was not able to make an immediate plan of action when their app was banned in June 2020.

The latest update on TikTok India’s Twitter was an update on how they plan to comply with the standards of the Indian government:

pic.twitter.com/0DZQ3Ucqcl

— TikTok India (@TikTok_IN) June 30, 2020

The ByteDance company has so far continued retaining its employees and is in the process of working out an arrangement with the government.

In a letter by the Head of TikTok India, Nikhil Gandhi told the company’s employees that they are trying to comply with the local laws, requirements for data security and privacy.

There are speculations in the market that Microsoft, Reliance or Airtel may take over TikTok.

However, no announcements have been made to confirm the news.

TikTok is optimistic about a positive outcome in their talks with the Indian government.

Gandhi also sees an “immense growth opportunity for TikTok in India.”

In the letter to TikTok India employees, Gandhi said:

“Our clarifications have been submitted to the Government and we will continue to allay any further concerns they may have.

“Together with our employees, we remain dedicated to our users and creators who have found not only recognition but also new avenues of livelihood through our platform.”

In India, ByteDance has over 2,000 employees, who have been assured that efforts are being made to resolve the situation in the country.

Employees were also awarded a salary bonus to cope with the ban and the unprecedented economic and social upheaval owing to the ongoing pandemic.

To keep in line with the global norms, TikTok also conducted an annual performance review cycle and focused on multiple learning and development opportunities to help employees upskill themselves.

Gandhi mentioned in the letter:

“Our employees have been at the heart of our business and we place the utmost importance on our employees’ personal and professional well-being.”

Following a Democrat victory in the US presidential election, ByteDance is also hopeful of avoiding a permanent ban in the US as threatened by the Trump administration.