Millions switch to ‘desi TikToks’ after Chinese apps ban

Millions of Indians have joined homegrown social media platforms since New Delhi banned a slew of Chinese apps, including TikTok, amid growing tensions between the giant neighbours, industry officials said Thursday.

The ban comes as India steps up economic pressure on China following a border battle last month in which 20 Indian soldiers died.

The 59 banned apps include video-sharing giant TikTok, Helo and Likee, with authorities accusing them of activities “prejudicial” to the “sovereignty and integrity of India”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has a huge social media profile, threw his weight behind the campaign by closing his account on China’s Weibo platform on Wednesday.