Indian authorities have blocked TikTok bank accounts, but ByteDance hopes to appeal the decision

ByteDance, the developer of the popular TikTok video viewing and posting service, says blocking bank accounts in India is illegal and “akin to harassment.” Meanwhile, the country’s court is investigating a case of tax evasion by a Chinese company.

Last year, the TikTok app was blocked by Indian authorities due to trade disputes with China. This was followed by a criminal case alleging that ByteDance India had evaded taxes. As a result, the company had several bank accounts blocked, but lawyers are trying to appeal against such an action.

Due to the freezing of bank accounts, about 1335 employees did not receive their salaries in March, including personnel involved in remote work. The lawyers told the Supreme Court of India that the authorities’ blocking of bank savings was carried out without any substantive evidence. Also, no preliminary notifications about these plans have been received from government agencies. In turn, banks HSBC and Citibank in Mumbai are required to obey government decrees.

As noted by a ByteDance spokesman, such an action during the investigation is tantamount to undue coercion and is aimed at intimidation. How the story will develop further is anyone’s guess.