New Delhi: A day after the Indian government banned 59 Chinese mobile applications including TikTok, the video sharing platform was removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in India.
"This item is not available in your country," read the message on Google Play Store.
Media reports however quoted sources, saying that TikTok has taken down the app from these app stores on its own.
However, other apps like UC browser, Xender, ShareIt, Mi Video Call- Xiaomi, etc. can still be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Earlier yesterday, India banned 59 apps with Chinese links, including hugely popular TikTok and UC Browser, saying they were prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and security of the country.
TikTok meanwhile, today said it is in the process of complying with the government's order on blocking of the app, and asserted that it has not shared information of Indian users with any foreign government, including that of China.
The short video-sharing company said it has been invited to meet with concerned government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications.
Read: Government of India bans 59 mobile apps including Tik Tok, UC Browser
"The Government of India has issued an interim order for the blocking of 59 apps, including TikTok, and we are in the process of complying with it. We have been invited to meet with concerned government stakeholders for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications," Nikhil Gandhi, Head of TikTok, India said.
TikTok added that it continues to comply with all data privacy and security requirements under the Indian law and has not shared any information of its users in India with any foreign government, including the Chinese government.
"Further, if we are requested to in the future we would not do so. We place the highest importance on user privacy and integrity," he said.
Ban will impact TikTok valuations negatively
Speaking to ETV Bharat Blaise Fernandes, Director at Gateway House, said, “The ban of the 59 Chinese apps in India will negatively impact the valuations of these apps and their respective promoters. Case in point — the upcoming IPO of TikTok; 30 per cent of its user base comes from India. This ban will impact TikTok valuations negatively.”
(With inputs from agencies)
