TikTok Might Be Banned Again If It Does Not Answered The Government’s Questions By 22 July

Aadhya Khatri - Jul 19, 2019


TikTok Might Be Banned Again If It Does Not Answered The Government’s Questions By 22 July

According to an official government document, the IT ministry of India has required TikTok to elaborate on the way it uses to collect user data

According to an official government document spotted by Reuters, the IT ministry of India has required TikTok to elaborate on the way it uses to collect user data and how it promotes safe usage on its video-sharing platform.

Sensor Tower has estimated that the app has been downloaded by almost 300 million people in India and over 1 billion globally, making India one of TikTok's key markets.

TikTok-ban
TikTok has until 22 July to answer the IT ministry

This request surfaced after a Hindu nationalist group expressed concern and called for a ban on the platform. This group is believed to have a close relationship with the Bharatiya Janata Party of PM Narendra Modi. The reason they cited was that ByteDance, the company behind TikTok, possesses a not-so-bright record of user privacy.

Before this allegation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) group’s economic wing had accused the app of going against the culture and morality of India.

Read more: A Thorough Guide On How To Earn Money On TikTok

RSS group also sent a letter to Modi suggesting a ban on the app and Helo, another platform ByteDance owns. This group was one of the most important founders of the BJP, and it has people in many key positions, including Modi.

In the last few weeks, many Indian lawmakers have expressed concern over TikTok. In April, the app was banned temporarily as it was believed to spread pornography and help predators to prey on children. Later, the ban was lifted.

According to Reuters, the IT ministry raised 24 questions regarding legal compliance, user safety, and data storage. The methods the company takes to tackle inappropriate content was also requested by the ministry.

Apart from troubles with TilTok, ByDance also has to answer about Helo, an app that allows its users to use local languages.

TikTok and Helo’s spokesperson said that India was one of ByDance’s most important markets and it intended to bump in around $1 billion in the next three years.

The platform contains music videos, memes, lip-syncing, and other content featuring youngsters. However, many parents and politicians concern about its safety to children; but it does not stop the app from growing in popularity in the country.

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TikTok contains music videos, memes, lip-syncing, and other content featuring youngsters

A reliable source with insight into this matter said that ByDance had until July 22 to answer all of these questions relating to TikTok and Helo. However, now is too early to conclude whether the government is considering another ban.

In answer to this matter, TikTok has issued an official statement:

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