TikTok, a popular video sharing app that boasts over half a billion users worldwide, has officially been banned in India. The app is no longer available to download from both the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store as of today.

The ban follows a request from the state court a few weeks back, asking the government to ban the app. Both Google and Apple were sent a directive earlier this week by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeITY), asking them to remove TikTok from their respective stores in India.

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Well, high court had accused TikTok of allegedly 'encouraging pornography'. People were apparently using it for pornographic purposes. That said, this move definitely comes has a surprise since the app has been downloaded by over 230 million users in the country. Needless to say, the ban will most definitely affect TikTok's growth.

© Reuters

In an official statement, TikTok said it has faith in the Indian Judicial system. “At TikTok, we have faith in the Indian Judicial system and the stipulations afforded to social media platforms by the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011. We are committed to continuously enhancing our existing measures and introducing additional technical and moderation processes as part of our ongoing commitment to our users in India.”

In an official statement, TikTok said it has faith in the Indian Judicial system. “At TikTok, we have faith in the Indian Judicial system and the stipulations afforded to social media platforms by the Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011. We are committed to continuously enhancing our existing measures and introducing additional technical and moderation processes as part of our ongoing commitment to our users in India.”