Resso Bids Farewell to India: Music Streaming Service Shuts Down After Government Scrutiny

Bye Bye, Bollywood Beats: Resso Bows Out of India After App Removal

New Delhi, India - January 31, 2024 - In a surprising move, ByteDance's music streaming service Resso has officially ceased operations in India. The closure, effective today, comes after months of speculation and government scrutiny surrounding the app's data practices.

Resso launched in India in March 2020, aiming to carve a niche in the fiercely competitive music streaming market. However, its journey was marred by controversy. In December 2023, the Indian government ordered both Google Play and Apple App Store to remove Resso, citing concerns about its data handling procedures. While the specifics of these concerns remain undisclosed, sources suggest they were linked to potential violations of data privacy regulations.

Despite ByteDance's initial resistance, Resso succumbed to the pressure, announcing its closure in India on January 11, 2024. The company attributed the decision to "local market conditions," but the timing and context leave little doubt about the government's influence. Existing users received refunds for their remaining subscriptions, and the app is no longer available for download.

This development highlights the increasingly complex landscape for tech companies operating in India. With a growing focus on data privacy and national security, foreign firms face heightened scrutiny and stricter regulations. Resso's exit serves as a cautionary tale for others, underlining the importance of compliance and transparency in data handling practices.

READ: Resso Rewinds in India: A Look Back and a Look Ahead for Music Streaming


Key takeaways:

  • Resso, a music streaming service owned by ByteDance, has shut down its operations in India.
  • The closure follows months of government scrutiny over data handling concerns.
  • While ByteDance cites "local market conditions," the government's order to remove the app played a significant role.
  • Resso's exit underscores the challenges faced by tech companies operating in India's evolving regulatory environment.

What's next?

While ByteDance has no plans to launch its alternative, TikTok Music, in India, the music streaming market remains vibrant. Domestic players like JioSaavn and Gaana, along with international giants like Spotify and YouTube Music, will likely vie to fill the void left by Resso's departure. However, the incident raises questions about the future of foreign tech companies in India and the delicate balance between innovation, regulation, and data privacy.