New Delhi: After nearly five years of a complete ban, several internet users in India reported being able to access the websites of TikTok and AliExpress this week. The sudden development created widespread speculation that the Indian government might have lifted restrictions on Chinese platforms. However, official clarifications indicate a different reality.

Why Were TikTok and AliExpress Banned?

In June 2020, India banned TikTok, AliExpress, and over 250 other Chinese applications and platforms, citing national security and data privacy concerns. The move came at a time of heightened tensions at the India–China border, with the government invoking Section 69A of the IT Act to block platforms that were allegedly “stealing and transmitting users’ data in an unauthorized manner.”

What Has Changed Now?

• Over the past few days, users across different states reported that the homepages of TikTok and AliExpress were loading on Indian networks.
• However, key functionalities such as login, video streaming, shopping, or payments remain unavailable.
• This partial access raised speculation of a possible phased re-entry of these platforms into the Indian digital ecosystem.

Government’s Official Stand

Government officials have categorically denied lifting the ban. Sources in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that:

• No fresh order has been issued to unblock TikTok or AliExpress.
• Reports claiming a formal return of these Chinese apps are “false and misleading.”
• The websites may have become partially accessible due to technical glitches or backend testing but remain under restriction.

Political and Public Reactions

The sudden accessibility has also triggered political debate:

• The opposition questioned whether the security threats that led to the original ban had “vanished overnight.”
• Social media users expressed confusion, with some even attempting to download or log in, only to find services non-functional.

What This Means for Users

For now, Indian users cannot use TikTok for uploading or watching videos, nor can they shop on AliExpress. The limited access seems restricted to basic website pages, with the core services still blocked.

The Road Ahead

Industry experts suggest two possibilities:

1. Technical Error or Testing: Temporary lifting of DNS restrictions could have made homepages visible.
2. Negotiations for Re-Entry: Some reports indicate Chinese firms may be exploring partnerships with Indian companies to comply with local data laws.

Unless an official government order is announced, the ban on TikTok, AliExpress, and other Chinese apps in India continues to remain in effect.