ByteDance is Looking to Re-Enter India

TikTok, a Chinese video sharing app, was banned along with 58 other apps, including UC Browser, Shein, and others, nearly two years ago due to national security concerns. TikTok is currently attempting to re-enter India and re-hire former staff. According to the Economic Times, TikTok's parent firm, ByteDance, is looking to re-enter India. The company apparently intends to enter India by partnering with a domestic entity in order to dodge regulatory inspection.

ByteDance ceased operations in 2021, roughly a year after it was prohibited in India. The company is allegedly in talks to form a collaboration with Mumbai's Hiranandani Group. The Hiranandani Group operates data centers under the Yotta Infrastructure Solutions brand and has established Tez Platforms, a technology-driven consumer services platform. The corporation intends to invest INR 3,500 crore in its latest investment over the next two years.

While the talks are still in their early stages, the corporation is not aiming to ruffle any feathers and has informed the central government unofficially of its plans to re-enter India with a local partner. “There have been no formal talks with us yet. But we have been informed of the plans. As and when they come to us for approvals, we will examine their request,” a senior government official familiar with the matter told ET.