TikTok has been removed from the App Store and Google Play store in India today after a court ruling. TikTok is fighting the removal in court. You can still download it through Softonic’s catalog here:
In a statement to CNN Business , TikTok said, “We have faith in the Indian judicial system and we are optimistic about an outcome that would be well received by over 120 million monthly active users in India.”
TikTok has about half a billion downloads across the globe. Of those, about 25% of users are in India making this a massive hit for the company.
Why is TikTok being blocked in India?
TikTok has been blocked in India due to the fear that the app is helping to spread inappropriate content to children.
TikTok does list policies against inappropriate content such as porn, cyberbullying, and harassment. Those who violate TikTok’s policies can be reported and banned from the service. This is the protocol for most apps.
The app description suggests it is for ages 12+, but the purpose of the app is not to share material for an 18+ audience . The main purpose of TikTok is to share original videos, typically with musical flair like this:
Does TikTok have inappropriate content?
As we all know according to Rule #34 of the internet, “If it exists, there is a porn version of it.” TikTok is no exception.
Users have been using the app to make pornographic content. Finding pornographic material through the app is not difficult. Then again, finding porn on the internet isn’t hard.
Sure, you can use the app to shoot and share inappropriate content, but you can do that with a slew of other apps as well.
You can potentially cyberbully people on any social media platform as well. TikTok is not the only offender, so they shouldn’t be singled out for this.
What does this mean for TikTok?
We’re guessing that this ban will only be temporary. This happened before in Indonesia for the same reason, but it was overturned.
The 18+ crowd in India that loves to use TikTok will voice their stance on the issue. Most likely, the app will return to making more videos like these:
Where do we go from here?
The inappropriate content is far from the only reason why you might want to consider removing TikTok. In February, the app had to pay nearly $6 million in fines for stealing information from its 13-and-under users.
TikTok might be unintentionally exposing kids to inappropriate content. However, it is intentionally stealing their data.
Banning one app won’t keep children safe. If you don’t want your children looking at inappropriate content, TikTok is far from the only app you need to worry about. Parental vigilance and child education are your best bets to keeping your family safe.
What is TikTok, the #1 free app that everybody is talking about?
