The Indian government officials said that India has not lifted the ban on TikTok, after media reports claimed that the popular Chinese social media platform appeared to be back for some users. “Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement/news is false and misleading,” official sources said on Friday (Aug 22).Earlier in the day, media reports citing some users said that they were able to access the TikTok website for the first time in five years. Although the website was accessible to some users, the application was still not available to users in India, said the reports.&nbsp;Clarifying the reports, officials said that TikTok's content is still not available in India.&nbsp;They said that while the landing page on the TikTok website earlier used to show that the service was not available in India, it was showing their "About Us" page. This does not mean its content is available in India, they added.&nbsp;&nbsp;TikTok, a massively popular video-sharing platform owned by the Chinese firm Bytedance, was banned in India in 2020 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not just TikTok, they also banned 58 other Chinese applications, citing concerns over data privacy and national security.&nbsp;

TikTok

When checked, TikTok's official website is available on both laptops and mobiles. However, some people are still not able to access it. This reflects that the app might be available to limited devices or is being tested.&nbsp;However, the application is still not available on the App Store of Apple and the Play Store of Google.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-returns-in-us-thanks-trump-for-clarity-and-assurance-on-delaying-federal-ban-8635954">Also read: TikTok returns in US, thanks Trump for 'clarity' and assurance on delaying federal ban</a><h2>Why was TikTok banned in India?</h2>In the middle of India-China border tensions, New Delhi banned TikTok in India in June 2020. The government cited national security concerns and data privacy violations as the reasons. The main concern was that the app might be allowing the Chinese government to access Indian user data for surveillance of Indians or for spying on them.There was fear that TikTok was stealing Indian users' data and transmitting it to the Chinese government. The main reason behind this concern was that TikTok servers were located in China.To address the issue, the Ministry of Information Technology invoked its power under section 69A of the Information Technology Act, read with the relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009, and decided to block 59 apps.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-ban-in-us-india-instagram-youtube-shorts-rednote-donald-trump-joe-biden-8630695">Also read: What's life post TikTok ban? Here's what US should learn from India</a>

The app, TikTok, was banned in India in 2020 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not just TikTok, they also banned 58 other Chinese applications, citing concerns over data privacy and national security.

The Indian government officials said that India has not lifted the ban on TikTok, after media reports claimed that the popular Chinese social media platform appeared to be back for some users. “Government of India has not issued any unblocking order for TikTok. Any such statement/news is false and misleading,” official sources said on Friday (Aug 22). Earlier in the day, media reports citing some users said that they were able to access the TikTok website for the first time in five years. Although the website was accessible to some users, the application was still not available to users in India, said the reports. Clarifying the reports, officials said that TikTok's content is still not available in India. They said that while the landing page on the TikTok website earlier used to show that the service was not available in India, it was showing their "About Us" page. This does not mean its content is available in India, they added. TikTok, a massively popular video-sharing platform owned by the Chinese firm Bytedance, was banned in India in 2020 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Not just TikTok, they also banned 58 other Chinese applications, citing concerns over data privacy and national security.

TikTok was banned in India in 2020 by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government banned 58 other Chinese applications, citing concerns over data privacy and national security.

TikTok back in India? This is what Indian government said about banned Chinese-owned video sharing platform

According to reports, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in a new draft has asked internet platforms to hire content moderators to review all user comments and filter out harmful content before&nbsp;online publication.

The proposed guidelines reportedly include all types of comments including those that appear in videos. The controversial move which is being seen as a move to curb free speech is open for feedback until July 1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/china-may-be-spying-through-software-embedded-in-coffee-maker-warns-expert-488564">Also Read:&nbsp;China may be spying through software embedded in coffee maker, warns expert</a>

The restrictions also include real-time comments and replies made by users on the net. The CAC has demanded content moderation teams to be appointed by internet platforms which "matches the scale of their service" as China continues to clamp down on the internet inside the "Great Firewall".&nbsp;

The regulators had earlier issued guidelines to review user comments for news content.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;In China, a ban on the word 'lockdown'

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Punishment for not adhering to the new rules includes fines, warnings and even suspension of the comment feature or the entire service, reports claim.

The draft rule stipulates social media users will have to register with their real identities and if rules are violated the user may be barred from commenting or could be asked to delete comments with harsher measures in place which include account suspension and deactivation.

In another development, Chinese authorities on Wednesday issued new rules for online anchors to "maintain the right tone in political orientation, public communication and actively embody core socialist values". The new protocols apply to live streamers&nbsp;who have become increasingly popular in the country.

The live streamers have been asked to obtain&nbsp;"professional qualifications" before they broadcast their programme online with restrictions placed on education, law, health and finance categories.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in a new draft has asked internet platforms to hire content moderators to review all user comments and filter out harmful content before online publication.

According to reports, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in a new draft has asked internet platforms to hire content moderators to review all user comments and filter out harmful content before online publication. The proposed guidelines reportedly include all types of comments including those that appear in videos. The controversial move which is being seen as a move to curb free speech is open for feedback until July 1. Also Read: China may be spying through software embedded in coffee maker, warns expert The restrictions also include real-time comments and replies made by users on the net. The CAC has demanded content moderation teams to be appointed by internet platforms which "matches the scale of their service" as China continues to clamp down on the internet inside the "Great Firewall". The regulators had earlier issued guidelines to review user comments for news content. Watch: In China, a ban on the word 'lockdown' Punishment for not adhering to the new rules includes fines, warnings and even suspension of the comment feature or the entire service, reports claim. The draft rule stipulates social media users will have to register with their real identities and if rules are violated the user may be barred from commenting or could be asked to delete comments with harsher measures in place which include account suspension and deactivation. In another development, Chinese authorities on Wednesday issued new rules for online anchors to "maintain the right tone in political orientation, public communication and actively embody core socialist values". The new protocols apply to live streamers who have become increasingly popular in the country. The live streamers have been asked to obtain "professional qualifications" before they broadcast their programme online with restrictions placed on education, law, health and finance categories. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Now, China wants to review all social media comment

The posting of an ancient Chinese poem by Tesla&nbsp;CEO Elon Musk on social media on Tuesday has driven Chinese internet users to engage in a frenzied debate game over his meaning, with many also praising him for his knowledge of the text.

Musk, who is known for his cryptic Twitter posts, wrote in English "Humankind" before posting an abbreviated version of the 'Seven Steps Verse' in Chinese on his official Twitter and Weibo accounts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-wealthier-than-entire-pakistans-gdp-425852">Tesla CEO Elon Musk wealthier than entire Pakistan’s GDP</a>

The highly allegorical poem describes the relationship between two brothers from a royal family during China's warring Three Kingdoms period that is taught in all of China's primary schools about the importance of getting along.

Discussions about how to interpret Musk's posts trended heavily on Weibo on Tuesday, receiving over 100 million views. Twitter is blocked in mainland China.

Popular interpretations suggested Musk was alluding to two rivalling dog-themed cryptocurrencies, shiba inu and dogecoin, which he had been tweeting about this week. His tweets are known for moving cryptocurrency markets, although cryptocurrency trading is banned within China's borders.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ill-donate-6-billion-if-the-un-can-prove-how-it-will-solve-world-hunger-elon-musk-425761">I'll donate $6 billion if the UN can prove how it will solve world hunger: Elon Musk</a>

Reference News, a publication under state-run Xinhua news agency, said Musk’s post could be a nod to a heated exchange he had with the United Nations World Food Programme's executive director on Monday about donations.

Musk's posting of the Chinese poem on Weibo marked a departure from his typical messages on the platform, where he has 1.9 million followers and frequently praises China for its space programme and its economic growth over the past three decades.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-should-step-down-says-whistleblower-frances-haugen-426037">&nbsp;Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should step down, says whistleblower Frances Haugen</a>

Musk, who is also behind rocket maker SpaceX, has remained a popular figure in China even amid deteriorating US-China relations and regulatory criticism of Tesla, which operates a factory in Shanghai. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Chinese poem.

The posting of an ancient Chinese poem by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on social media on Tuesday has driven Chinese internet users to engage in a frenzied debate game over his meaning, with many also praising him for his knowledge of the text.

The posting of an ancient Chinese poem by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on social media on Tuesday has driven Chinese internet users to engage in a frenzied debate game over his meaning, with many also praising him for his knowledge of the text. Musk, who is known for his cryptic Twitter posts, wrote in English "Humankind" before posting an abbreviated version of the 'Seven Steps Verse' in Chinese on his official Twitter and Weibo accounts. Also read | Tesla CEO Elon Musk wealthier than entire Pakistan’s GDP The highly allegorical poem describes the relationship between two brothers from a royal family during China's warring Three Kingdoms period that is taught in all of China's primary schools about the importance of getting along. Discussions about how to interpret Musk's posts trended heavily on Weibo on Tuesday, receiving over 100 million views. Twitter is blocked in mainland China. Popular interpretations suggested Musk was alluding to two rivalling dog-themed cryptocurrencies, shiba inu and dogecoin, which he had been tweeting about this week. His tweets are known for moving cryptocurrency markets, although cryptocurrency trading is banned within China's borders. Also read | I'll donate $6 billion if the UN can prove how it will solve world hunger: Elon Musk Reference News, a publication under state-run Xinhua news agency, said Musk’s post could be a nod to a heated exchange he had with the United Nations World Food Programme's executive director on Monday about donations. Musk's posting of the Chinese poem on Weibo marked a departure from his typical messages on the platform, where he has 1.9 million followers and frequently praises China for its space programme and its economic growth over the past three decades. Also Read | Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg should step down, says whistleblower Frances Haugen Musk, who is also behind rocket maker SpaceX, has remained a popular figure in China even amid deteriorating US-China relations and regulatory criticism of Tesla, which operates a factory in Shanghai. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Chinese poem.

A reference to heated exchange with WFP?, Elon Musk's cryptic poem goes viral on Chinese social media

A Bizarre article from 2013 has resurfaced on Chinese social media. It claims that Beijing will invade Taiwan by 2025 and Arunachal Pradesh by 2040. The article's nuances are laughable, the endgame is not. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Bizarre article claims China will invade Arunachal

According to researchers, misinformation campaign unleashed on social media in support of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-sow-disinformation-to-undermine-trust-in-western-vaccines-eu-report-381234">Chinese</a> government has now spread from&nbsp;Twitter, Google and Facebook in new languages to several countries.

A report by Rand Corporation published earlier had found that China has been treating Taiwan as a "test bed" for developing attack vectors using disinformation on social media.

"China's control over the Chinese-language social media platform WeChat and a general belief among China authors that the global ethnic Chinese diaspora is a favourable vector of influence for Beijing to leverage," the Rand report had said.

Watch:

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FireEye and Alphabet’s Google had earlier identified accounts on social media in English and Mandarin which sought to cast doubt on Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement which had broken out in mid-2019.

The Rand report had earlier acknowledged China's "disinformation" campaign during the coronavirus crisis and had warned that "Chinese disinformation campaigns will likely be used to target the United States in the event of a crisis or conflict".

Reports say there were several accounts circulating&nbsp;on social media in various countries which sought to convey that the virus first emerged in the United States before Wuhan in China and that it was developed by the US&nbsp;military taking aim at US Army's Fort Detrick installation in Maryland.

In fact, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lijian Zhao in a tweet last month had said: "Open the door to Fort Detrick, shed light on tightly held secret, This RAP song speaks our minds" as several tweets sought to draw attention to Fort Detrick.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"Open the door to Fort Detrick, 
Shed light on tightly held secret..." 
This RAP song speaks our minds. <a href="https://t.co/YWRL0s4EE0">pic.twitter.com/YWRL0s4EE0</a>
— Lijian Zhao 赵立坚 (@zlj517) <a href="https://twitter.com/zlj517/status/1425472442508611590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In fact, Rand had recommended that the US Air Force should incorporate "adversary social media disinformation into wargaming" due to the increased level of threat from Chinese disinformation.

FireEye in its report said it had witnessed "extensive promotion" of German, Spanish, Korean, Russian and Japanese-language content on US and non-US-based platforms".

The report said some posts asked protesters to demonstrate against racism in the United States with the disinformation campaign deploying videos to further their&nbsp;message.

YouTube has reportedly been removing several thousand channels each month linked to the disinformation campaign. &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

According to researchers, misinformation campaign unleashed on social media in support of the Chinese government has now spread from Twitter, Google and Facebook in new languages to several countries.

According to researchers, misinformation campaign unleashed on social media in support of the Chinese government has now spread from Twitter, Google and Facebook in new languages to several countries. A report by Rand Corporation published earlier had found that China has been treating Taiwan as a "test bed" for developing attack vectors using disinformation on social media. "China's control over the Chinese-language social media platform WeChat and a general belief among China authors that the global ethnic Chinese diaspora is a favourable vector of influence for Beijing to leverage," the Rand report had said. Watch: FireEye and Alphabet’s Google had earlier identified accounts on social media in English and Mandarin which sought to cast doubt on Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement which had broken out in mid-2019. The Rand report had earlier acknowledged China's "disinformation" campaign during the coronavirus crisis and had warned that "Chinese disinformation campaigns will likely be used to target the United States in the event of a crisis or conflict". Reports say there were several accounts circulating on social media in various countries which sought to convey that the virus first emerged in the United States before Wuhan in China and that it was developed by the US military taking aim at US Army's Fort Detrick installation in Maryland. In fact, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lijian Zhao in a tweet last month had said: "Open the door to Fort Detrick, shed light on tightly held secret, This RAP song speaks our minds" as several tweets sought to draw attention to Fort Detrick. "Open the door to Fort Detrick, Shed light on tightly held secret..." This RAP song speaks our minds. pic.twitter.com/YWRL0s4EE0 — Lijian Zhao 赵立坚 (@zlj517) August 11, 2021 × In fact, Rand had recommended that the US Air Force should incorporate "adversary social media disinformation into wargaming" due to the increased level of threat from Chinese disinformation. FireEye in its report said it had witnessed "extensive promotion" of German, Spanish, Korean, Russian and Japanese-language content on US and non-US-based platforms". The report said some posts asked protesters to demonstrate against racism in the United States with the disinformation campaign deploying videos to further their message. YouTube has reportedly been removing several thousand channels each month linked to the disinformation campaign. (With inputs from Agencies)

Social media misinformation campaign in support of China extends to new languages, countries: Report

India's ban on TikTok has proved to be the catalyst for global action against the social media platform. TikTok is now under scrutiny in the United States, Australia, and Europe. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about TikTok's growing troubles - and how it plans to combat it.

Gravitas: Tiktok's growing trouble, App faces trouble in US, Australia, Europe

Hong Kong residents reacted on Tuesday (September 3) to Spanish fashion brand Zara issuing a statement on Chinese social media expressing support for China's sovereignty over the Asian financial hub.

Fashion brand Zara seeks to distance itself from Hong Kong controversy