Popular video app TikTok has been removed from Google Play and Apple AppStore in India.

This move has been ordered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for India after an investigation from High Court Madras determined the app was encouraging pornography and other illegal content.

Those who already have the app installed on their devices will be unaffected, but as of today, the order to remove it from online stores will prevent new users from joining the platform.

“We welcome the decision of the Madras High Court to appoint Arvind Datar as Amicus Curae (independent counsel) to the court," the platform said in a statement.

"We have faith in the Indian judicial system and we are optimistic about an outcome that would be well received by over 120 million monthly active users in India, who continue using TikTok to showcase their creativity and capture moments that matter in their everyday lives.”

Ticked off

In addition to this, the High Court also ordered to ban other media platforms that are seen promoting TikTok content. TikTok adverts are frequently seen circulating on Facebook. 

This second decision was appealed in the Supreme Court, but was upheld afterwards. As the platform continues to grow, the conversation about policing social media platforms between governments and companies will continue as well.

This is also the second time TikTok has faced this criticism from regulators. Last month, the app was fined a record-breaking $5.7 million for illegally collecting data pertaining to children.