TikTok ban row: Madras High Court asks government to ban video-sharing app for “encouraging pornography”

TikTok, formerly kwn as Musical.ly, is facing legal troubles in India after Mras High Court asked government to ban video-sharing platform in country for "encouraging porgraphy." Of late, TikTok is coping with similar conditions in several countries. Indonesia and Banglesh have alrey imposed a ban on TikTok. 

Earlier, TikTok agreed to pay $5.7 million fine to Federal Tre Commission in a settlement over allegations of violating Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). As a result, TikTok is w restricting under users below of 13 from using app.

TikTok is created, owned and operated by China’s Bytedance. It allows users to create and share short video clips with special effects. Of late, TikTok has become a viral sensation in rural India.

It comes weeks after Tamil Nu Information Techlogy minister M Manikandan said that state will seek centre’s help to ban video-sharing platform that reportedly misles children and youth.

RE | TikTok India says it has robust measures to protect users

TikTok is currently awaiting official order by Mras High Court. TikTok said that it will take appropriate action after reviewing court order. TikTok also maintains that it has “robust measures to protect users against misuse, protect ir privacy and digital wellbeing.”

Here’s a full statement by TikTok:

“At TikTok, we are committed to abiding by local laws and regulations. We fully comply with Information Techlogy (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011. We are currently awaiting official order by Hourable High Court of Mras and once received, we will review and take appropriate action regarding this matter. Maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment at TikTok is our priority. We have robust measures to protect users against misuse, protect ir privacy and digital wellbeing. This includes easy reporting mechanisms that enable users and law enforcement to report content that violates our terms of use and comprehensive Community Guidelines. In order to better coordinate with law enforcement ncies, we have appointed a Chief dal Officer based out of India.”

In February, he of Bharatiya Janata Party’s Information Techlogy Amit Malviya said party was tracking TikTok conversations and it was "a brilliant medium for creative expression."