Wait, TikTok is back? Website accessible in India after 5 years, sparks speculation

The platform, once hugely popular before the ban, has not officially announced a comeback, but the development has fueled hopes among fans awaiting its revival.

TikTok, the Chinese short-video platform banned in India since June 2020 over security concerns, has sparked fresh speculation about its return.

Some users in India have reported being able to access the TikTok website, even though the app itself remains unavailable on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

What the Hell? Tiktok website is working in India Without any VPN🤷

Comeback horha hai kya🤔 pic.twitter.com/6VFeYJyxdx

— Techno Ruhez (@AmreliaRuhez) August 22, 2025

There has been no official word from TikTok or its parent company ByteDance about a possible relaunch. But the sudden reappearance of its website has fueled excitement among fans who have long awaited the app’s return. The platform, once hugely popular before the ban, has not officially announced a comeback, but the development has fueled hopes among fans awaiting its revival.

While some users in India have reported being able to access TikTok’s website, others on X (formerly Twitter) said the platform remains inaccessible to them. Many subpages are also still down, suggesting that TikTok has not officially relaunched in India.

Why was TikTok banned in India?

Back in June 2020, the Modi government banned TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps such as Shareit, Mi Video Call, Club Factory and CamScanner. The Centre cited national security and sovereignty concerns as the reason behind the sweeping move.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) said at the time that these apps were engaged in “activities which are prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.”

The ban coincided with a sharp downturn in India-China relations, following deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley that left several Indian soldiers dead.