After the unprecedented ban imposed by the Indian government on 59 apps which have links with China, the head of TikTok India, Nikhil Gandhi denies any sharing of information with the Chinese government. “TikTok continues to comply with all the data privacy and security requirements under Indian law and has not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign government including the Chinese government” he stated.
The response comes after the ban inflicted by the Indian government on Chinese apps over data privacy and security concerns. The Indian government stated that these apps are “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.” This order has taken back the largest consumer base from the TikTok app which had a record number of 300 million users up until last year from India.
TikTok has responded to this order by saying that they will comply with a government order and also stating that they are looking forward to meeting the government stakeholders who have invited them for an opportunity to respond and submit clarifications. While denying the claim of breach of data privacy, Gandhi further added that they would not do so in future as well even if they are requested by any state. “We place the highest importance on user privacy and integrity” he quoted.
These apps, including TikTok, had been a major source of concern for the government with regards to data security and privacy especially amidst the current tensions in the Ladakh region.
Right after the release of the government order, the apps were taken down from the Google play store and Apple app store. At the same time, the active users have been restricted to use these apps via ISP (telco) channels, reports financialexpress.com.
