ByteDance to scale down TikTok India workforce due to uncertain future of app

The decision comes following a ‘lack of clear direction’ from the government on how and when ByteDance’s apps can be reinstated.

Following a ban for over six months, vertical video app TikTok has decided to downsize its workforce in India. Owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, TikTok along with a host of other Chinese apps, were temporarily banned by the government of India in June, last year.

The ban was imposed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology citing issues "prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order." The ban also came amid heightened tension at the Sino-Indian border.

In a press statement, a TikTok India spokesperson said, “We have worked steadfastly to comply with the Government of India order issued on June 29, 2020. We continually strive to make our apps comply with local laws and regulations and do our best to address any concerns they have. It is therefore disappointing that in the ensuing seven months, despite our efforts we have not been given a clear direction on how and when our apps could be reinstated. It is deeply regretful that after supporting our 2000+ employees in India for more than half a year, we have no choice but to scale back the size of our workforce. We look forward to receiving the opportunity to relaunch TikTok and support the hundreds of millions of users, artists, story-tellers, educators and performers in India.”