The web-application TikTok created by a Chinese company–
Byte Dance, was initially launched as 'Douyin' in
September, 2016 in China. It was introduced in the overseas market
as 'TikTok' only in 2018 and it spread like a virus with
nearly 500 million+ users. The app is most popular amongst the
youth. Recently, a PIL was filed at the Madras High Court by one
Mr. S. Muthukumar of Madurai, requesting the Court to ban the app
TikTok. The petitioner pleaded that the app contained pornographic
content. This has led to social stigma and mental illness amongst
youngsters.
The Madras High Court took cognizance of the matter and on April
4, 2019 observed that, the app was in fact largely being used by
teenagers and was an addictive one. The Court also compared the app
to the Russian app 'Blue Whale' which had reportedly led to
multiple suicides all over the world. The Court went on to say that
unrestricted access to the TikTok images and videos by predators
could have severe
