In a move that sparked global debate, the US followed in India’s footsteps and banned TikTok. I couldn’t help but feel a strong sense of deja vu as I watched the headlines unfold, five years ago. India did this by cutting off Chinese-owned apps due to national security concerns. But is the US ban truly about security, or is it yet another chapter in the ongoing geopolitical battle between superpowers?
India’s bold step in 2020
India shocked the world by banning TikTok along with 58 other Chinese apps. The decision was framed as a national security measure. It cited concerns about data privacy and unauthorized transmission of data. But for many of us in India the ban is also a symbolic gesture. It is an assertion of digital sovereignty at a time of rising border tensions with China.
As a result, Indian content creators were forced to pivot overnight. They had to move to homegrown platforms like Moz and Chingari, while Instagram Reels quickly filled the gap. In hindsight, India’s decision proved prescient. It wasn’t about banning an app; it was about regaining control over our digital infrastructure and economy.
TikTok banned in US: security or politics?
Fast-forward to 2025, and the United States is making a similar move: The U.S. government has ordered ByteDance, TickTok’s Chinese parent company, to either sell its American operations or face a complete shutdown. While security concerns are cited—much like India’s reasons—one can’t ignore the geopolitical undertones. The U.S.-China tech war has been brewing for years, and TikTok’s explosive growth has put it at the center of this digital tug-of-war.
However, the key difference is that India has banned it outright, with no space for negotiations. On the contrary, The United States has left the door open for TikTok to continue operating under new ownership. This begs the question: If security is the primary concern, why allow a potential buyout instead of a full ban?
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The ripple effect on global technology
From an Indian perspective, the US banned validates what we did years ago. It reinforces the idea that digital sovereignty is not just an Indian concern, But also a global problem. Countries are waking up to the risk of foreign-owned platforms having unchecked access to their citizens’ data.
This shift will be just as challenging for American TikTok users as it was for Indian users in 2020. Content creators will have to adapt, brands will rethink their marketing strategies, and alternative platforms will rise to fill the gaps. But one thing is clear: the digital landscape is changing, and the world is moving towards a more controlled and fragmented internet.
What’s next? Lessons for the future
India’s decision to ban TikTok has led to the rise of indigenous platforms and encouraged investment in local technology. If the US ban remains in place, it could lead to a similar transformation in America’s digital ecosystem. The lesson here is that nations need to be prepared for such changes both in technology and economics.
As I reflect on this I can’t help but wonder: will other countries follow suit? Is this the beginning of a new era where national interests dictate digital policy more aggressively? If India’s move in 2020 was a glimpse into the future, the TikTok banned the US might just be a sign that the world is catching up.
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