In today's world where social media platforms are prevalent, Douyin has become a shining star with its short video content. However, its journey has been fraught with controversy and bans, especially in India and the United States. Let's dive into these events and their implications.
India's ban on TikTok
According to British media on April 24, India's move to ban Douyin in June 2020 spread throughout the digital sphere. The action was sparked by a conflict between India and China.
India said the main reason for this was privacy concerns and national security threats posed by Chinese apps, which was widely supported by the Indian public, a move that reflects growing tensions between the two sides.
This abrupt ban has left around 200 million Indian users and numerous content creators in a difficult position.
However, it also paved the way for the rise of alternatives like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, capitalizing on the void left by the disappearance of TikTok. Despite some initial disruptions, many users have smoothly transitioned to these platforms, demonstrating the resilience of India's digital ecosystem.
Impact on users and creators
The ban has sparked a diaspora of TikTok users and creators seeking refuge on alternative platforms such as Instagram. While some lamented the loss of Douyin's unique community, others embraced the new opportunities presented by competing platforms.
Winnie Sangma and Rajib Dutta, exemplified by this shift, have been successful on Instagram, although they still have nostalgia for Tik Tok's community in their hearts.
Nikhil Pahwa, a digital policy expert and founder of Digital Corporation India, said: "This has sparked a buzz and the popular narrative is how we can allow Chinese companies to do business in India when we are in a military standoff. ”
Just months before the ban was issued, India had also restricted investment by Chinese companies, Pawa added. "Douyin is not a one-off case. Today, India has banned more than 500 Chinese apps to date. ”
Compare India's approach with that of the United States
When comparing India's swift bans with those of the United States, a stark contrast emerges.
In the United States, legislative measures against TikTok have encountered procedural hurdles and legal complexities. Currently, legislation to ban the app has been approved by Congress and is now waiting for Biden to sign it.
The measure gives the app's parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app, and if it does, it can be extended for another three months.
If you don't, TikTok will be banned. At the same time, the ban will take at least a year to take effect, but it may last longer due to possible court challenges.
In this regard, Pawa said, the situation in the United States is different.
"In India, TikTok decided not to go to court, but the U.S. is a bigger revenue market for them. In addition, the First Amendment of the United States is quite powerful, so it will not be as easy for the United States to do this as it is for India. ”
Global impact
Outside of India and the United States, TikTok has also had a profound impact globally. Lockdowns and restrictions in countries such as Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan have highlighted broader tensions around Chinese tech companies.