How Indians Adapted to Life Without TikTok
The recent ban on TikTok in the United States has left many of its 170 million users worried. However, according to CNN, Americans can learn from the experience of the most populous country in the world – India.
In June 2020, the Indian government unexpectedly banned TikTok and other popular Chinese apps. This decision came as a shock to the 200 million TikTok users in India. However, after four years, many have moved on from this social media platform.
Life Without TikTok
In 2020, TikTok became popular among Indians who were seeking an escape from the strict lockdown measures imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed people, even those in small towns, to become overnight stars and fulfill their Bollywood dreams.
When the TikTok ban was enforced in India, many TikTokers felt confused and frustrated. However, they quickly found alternative platforms to showcase their creativity. Within a week of the ban, Instagram launched Instagram Reels, a TikTok clone, in India. Google also introduced YouTube Shorts, a short video service.
According to Nikhil Pahwa, founder of the technology website MediaNama, the ban on TikTok created a business opportunity worth billions of dollars, as 200 million TikTok users needed a new platform to transition to.
Indian-developed apps like MX Taka Tak and Moj also gained popularity and attention from users. However, these domestic startups struggled to compete with the reach and financial power of American companies.
Does Ditching TikTok Improve Cybersecurity?
Officials and lawmakers in the United States have long expressed concerns that the Chinese government could compel ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to hand over user data from American users. China and TikTok have repeatedly denied these claims.
Cybersecurity experts believe that the national security concerns surrounding TikTok are mostly hypothetical. Meanwhile, Indian experts argue that removing TikTok does not necessarily create a safer online space.
Vivan Sharan, a partner at Koan Advisory Group, a technology policy consulting firm in Delhi, stated, “I am not sure if removing TikTok minimizes the cybersecurity threat. Unless users themselves become more aware of the software on their phones and what they download from the internet, safety cannot be guaranteed.”
Regarding fake news, Sharan added, “In terms of content and misinformation, we still struggle with serious issues like deepfakes, whether TikTok exists or not. If TikTok does have an issue, fake news can still spread through other platforms.”
In conclusion, Indians have successfully adapted to life without TikTok by embracing alternative platforms such as Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. While concerns about cybersecurity and fake news still exist, the absence of TikTok does not necessarily guarantee a safer online environment.
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