In response “to allay the concerns” that India has, TikTok has submitted answers to 77 questions sent by the government to the 59 banned Chinese apps. The popular short-video app clarified it had neither shared any information of its users with foreign governments nor used such data in a manner that would compromise the integrity of India. Some particular concerns in government queries were whether the apps had transmitted information with foreign governments or third parties, following the Pulwama attack last year.
India head for Tiktok Nikhil Gandhi wrote in a blog post, “We have submitted our response to the Government of India and are working with them to provide clarifications to allay the concerns they have.” He added “We have not shared any information of our users in India with any foreign governments, nor have we used such data in any manner that would compromise the integrity of India. Further, even if we are requested in the future, we would not do so.”
The government demanded the apps three apps for submitting answers from the time of receiving the questions, warning that failing to do so would result in a permanent ban. The three weeks would differ for each party involved, based on when they received the notices. For some of the companies, today was the last date.
The government had further asked the apps to detail their editorial policies with regard to content moderation after the Pulwama attack. The apps had also been asked to disclose their corporate structure, shareholding and the countries they pay tax in. The political affiliation of these companies is under the scanner.
“Some of the questions are political in nature, where we have been asked to prove our independent credentials as a company without any affiliations with the Chinese state,” a lawyer representing some of the apps had told Mint earlier.

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