Banned Chinese Apps Like Xender and TanTan Are Back, But TikTok Remains Absent

In a surprising turn of events, several Chinese apps previously banned in India, such as Xender and TanTan, have made a quiet comeback. However, the most popular among them, TikTok, remains conspicuously absent from app stores, leaving its massive Indian fanbase in limbo.

The Ban and Its Aftermath

In June 2020, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps, citing data privacy and national security concerns in the backdrop of escalating border tensions with China. This sweeping move targeted some of the most widely used apps in the country, including TikTok, Xender, ShareIt, and CamScanner. For millions of users, especially content creators reliant on TikTok, the ban came as a major disruption.

While the ban effectively removed these apps from official app stores, some users continued to access them via APK downloads or VPNs. However, over time, many shifted to alternatives like Instagram Reels, Snapchat Spotlight, and Indian apps like Moj and Chingari, filling the void left by TikTok.

The Silent Return of Xender and TanTan

Recently, users have noticed the reappearance of apps like Xender—a popular file-sharing tool—and TanTan, a dating app often dubbed the “Chinese Tinder.” Their return, however, has been subtle. Unlike their earlier presence, these apps have either rebranded under different developers or adjusted their privacy policies to comply with local regulations.

Xender, for instance, appears to have addressed the data privacy issues that led to its ban, positioning itself as a secure file-sharing alternative. Similarly, TanTan seems to have made modifications to its data storage practices, potentially hosting data on servers outside China to alleviate security concerns.

Why Is TikTok Still Missing?

Despite the comeback of some banned apps, TikTok—arguably the most popular of them all—remains out of reach for Indian users. This absence raises questions, given TikTok’s massive Indian user base, which accounted for over 200 million active users before the ban.

Sources suggest that the Indian government is holding firm on TikTok due to its deep-rooted data privacy concerns and its immense influence on Indian youth. Unlike utility apps like Xender, TikTok’s potential for content virality and political influence makes its situation more complex. Additionally, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has faced global scrutiny over its data-sharing practices, further complicating its re-entry into the Indian market.

Attempts to Re-enter the Market

ByteDance has made several attempts to re-enter the Indian market. Reports indicate that the company explored partnerships with Indian firms to navigate regulatory hurdles. At one point, there were talks of TikTok being sold to an Indian entity, allowing it to operate under a new ownership structure. However, these negotiations have yet to bear fruit.

Meanwhile, TikTok influencers and content creators in India have adapted to alternative platforms. Many have migrated their content to Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Indian apps like Josh and Moj, which have seen exponential growth since TikTok’s departure.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Banned Apps?

The selective return of apps like Xender and TanTan suggests that the Indian government is open to allowing banned apps back—provided they meet stringent data privacy and security requirements. This development offers a glimmer of hope for other apps on the banned list, but it also indicates that each app's case will be evaluated individually.

For TikTok, the road ahead remains uncertain. While its absence leaves a significant gap in the Indian social media landscape, its competitors have capitalized on the opportunity, making it challenging for TikTok to reclaim its former glory even if it were allowed to return.

Conclusion

The reappearance of apps like Xender and TanTan marks an interesting shift in the post-ban landscape of Chinese apps in India. However, TikTok’s continued absence highlights the complexities involved when data privacy, national security, and massive user influence intersect. Whether TikTok will eventually find its way back remains to be seen, but for now, its Indian fans can only watch from afar as other apps reclaim their space in the market.