TikTok still missing from Google Play Store, Apple App Store even though ban is lifted

In an interesting turn of events, TikTok ban controversy was finally put to rest on Wednesday after Mras High Court lifted interim ban that was ordered earlier this month and implemented last week. But in spite of high court’s ruling, TikTok app is still missing from Google Play Store and Apple App Store and we don’t kw yet when app will make a comeback or what is reason behind delay. We have learnt from someone familiar with matter that ByteDance, Chinese company behind TikTok, is waiting for final court order and once company receives court order, TikTok will be available to downlo once again.

“We are gl about this decision and we believe it is also greatly welcomed by our thriving community in India, who use TikTok as a platform to showcase ir creativity. We are grateful for opportunity to continue serving our users better. While we’re pleased that our efforts to fight against misuse of platform has been recognised, work is never “done” on our end. We are committed to continuously enhancing our safety features as a testament to our ongoing commitment to our users in India,” TikTok said in its statement.

RE | Mras High Court lifts ban on downlo of TikTok app in India

However, ban on TikTok was lifted with condition that platform should t be used to host obscene videos. A bench of Justices N Kirubakaran and S S Sundar of Murai bench of high court warned that if any "controversial" video violating its conditions were found posted using app, it would be considered a contempt of court. high court h on April 3 directed Centre to ban mobile app TikTok, which is used to create short videos, as it voiced concern over "porgraphic and inappropriate content" being me available through such apps.

Vikas Srivastava, founder of a Mumbai-based law firm VKS Attorneys & Solicitors, believes we need to have a regulator in place which can act as watchdog for apps enabling sharing of videos and if such videos are against public policy and contravenes provisions of Information Techlogy Law like data privacy and porgraphy n such apps should be banned.

RE | China's ByteDance wants to invest $1 billion and expand its workforce in India

ByteDance plans to invest USD 1 billion in country over next three years and increase number of employees in India to 1,000 persons by end of this year. ByteDance says about 25 per cent of se roles will focus on content moderation.

(With ncy inputs)