TikTok made headlines once again with its discreet hiring activity in India. The brand, silent since its dramatic exit in June 2020, posted openings for two new roles at its Gurugram office.
These roles—Content Moderator (Bengali Speaker) posted about 4 days ago and Wellbeing Partnership and Operations Lead, posted around two weeks earlier—are part of TikTok’s Trust and Safety division, with responsibilities ranging from content monitoring to supporting wellness of moderation teams. For content moderators, skills like English/Bengali fluency and sensitivity to cultural context are now in demand.
Job posting as mentioned on Tiktok’s official linkedin page:
Job Listings Stir Speculation
The arrival of these job listings has fueled rumors online. Some users noticed TikTok’s website briefly accessible in India, while social media buzzed about the app’s comeback. Playful memes and “ring light ready” jokes mixed with serious questions on TikTok’s future and its huge impact on Indian creators and youth culture. Still, there’s no official confirmation from ByteDance or the government about anything more than backend strengthening.
Reality Check: The Ban Remains
The speculation hit a peak when several Indian users claimed TikTok’s homepage was accessible, fueling hopes of a revival. However, the Ministry of Electronics and IT swiftly clarified: “No order to lift the ban on TikTok has been issued. Any such statement or news is false and misleading.” The app remains blocked on Google Play and Apple App Store. ByteDance’s spokesperson reiterated their compliance with the government directive and confirmed that the app has not returned to India.
The 2020 Ban: TikTok and Others
TikTok was one of 59 prominent Chinese-linked apps banned in India on June 29, 2020, following the Galwan Valley border clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The government cited national security and data privacy concerns under Section 69A of the IT Act, targeting apps considered “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state and public order.”
The list included giants like ShareIt, UC Browser, CamScanner, WeChat, Club Factory, Shein, AliExpress, and others. Later, PUBG, BGMI, and Garena Free Fire joined this roster as tensions escalated and digital sovereignty became a national priority.
India’s Market Still Matters
Before the ban, it boasted nearly 200 million Indian users—making it one of the largest markets globally. The continued hiring, even for limited roles, signals ByteDance’s pragmatic understanding of India’s strategic importance. By keeping backend operations and compliance teams alert, TikTok seems prepared for potential regulatory windows—or simply wants to maintain quality standards in its massive global content flows. Either way, this is a long-term strategy, not an immediate app relaunch.
What This Means Going Forward
- Opportunities for Job Seekers: Bilingual talent, especially in regional languages, could see more openings in TikTok’s trust and safety operations.
- Content Creators: The hope for TikTok’s return is rekindled, but public access is still officially blocked.
- Tech Analysts & Policymakers: ByteDance is clearly playing the long game, quietly positioning itself for whenever the climate becomes favorable. For now, rumors of TikTok’s “unban” remain just that—rumors.
Final Word
TikTok’s behind-the-scenes hiring in India—while the app remains absent—reveals how global digital giants stay agile in a rapidly changing market. The lesson? India is a priority, but also a complex arena where regulatory clarity, public sentiment, and geopolitical realities shape every move.
