TikTok is a short-form video-hosting service developed by ByteDance that was released in September 2016, gradually replacing Musical.ly over a two-year period. TikTok hosts short videos posted by users up to one minute in length.
Due to possible data collection by the PRC government, as it is managed by a Chinese company, it has been censored in some countries because the app is believed to threaten national security.
Censorship[]
India[]
In 2020, the app was banned indefinitely in India after a border clash with China.
China[]
TikTok is not available in mainland China; instead, a local counterpart, Douyin, is used.
Hong Kong[]
TikTok ceased operations in Hong Kong in July 2020 due to the implementation of the national security law.
United States[]
TikTok was banned in the United States on January 19, 2025, along other apps linked to ByteDance (which includes Marvel Snap) due to a piece of legislation (Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act) that took effect. Access to TikTok by U.S. residents was reinstated shortly thereafter amid pressure from the CCP and incoming president Trump, though the mobile apps remained unavailable for download in app stores until February 14, 2025.
Russia[]
Users in Russia can't download the TikTok app, and they can only see videos posted by other Russian users.
Nepal[]
TikTok was banned in Nepal on November 13, 2023 over its potential impacts on society. The ban was lifted on August 22, 2024.
Albania[]
On December 21, 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the Albanian government will block the use of TikTok for the country's residents for a year starting on January 1, 2025. The app has been blamed on inciting violence and bullying, especially among children. A stabbing incident that killed a teenager in mid-November due to a quarrel that started on TikTok may have led to the ban in Albania.
TikTok ban on government devices[]
Some countries and public bodies (including Australia, Canada, EU, NATO, etc.) chose to ban the use of TikTok for government purposes, either nationwide or at a subnational level. Other users can still download and use TikTok normally.
Where to find it uncensored[]
Everywhere else has it uncensored. In the meantime, U.S. users who have not downloaded the app can access TikTok on the web.