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Ashok Travels & Tours

Ashok Travels & Tours (ATT) is one of the largest travel and tour operators in India, with experience of being in the travel industry for over 40 years. ATT is an IATA approved agency and is a member of both National and International Travel & Tourism Organizations like  TAAI ,  IATO and PATA.

ATT caters to various travel needs of the traveller- Air ticketing, Transport, Customized packages, pre and post conference tours, off season discount packages and city sightseeing tours. ATT has also forayed into the area of cargo handling.

ATT operates from important destinations throughout India such as Delhi,  Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Manned by professionals with years of expertise, ATT offers friendly and personalized services to ensure memorable experiences. Our comprehensive services are executed with maximum efficiency taking into account every minute detail. ATT takes you across India and the world with great comfort and ease. 

DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL AIR TICKET BOOKING

ATT has been entrusted with the responsibility of air ticketing for official travel of Government of India Institutions and LTC vide order number No. 31011/5/2014-Estt (A.IV) issued by DoPT on, 21/08/2017. At present, ATT is issuing tickets for official travel of Government departments as well as the personal tickets for LTC travel.

ATT has been servicing various Ministries, Government departments, PSUs, Defence forces, Paramilitary forces etc for many years. Recently, ATT has launched a customised self-booking platform which works as a one stop solution for the client. It has facilitated the Government departments to get the tickets issued on their own with minimal human intervention. At present, this portal and the credentials have been shared with multiple Government organizations.

ATT has the in-house expertise to provide air ticketing solutions for almost all the airlines- Domestic and International. Even though air ticketing services are provided in Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad, ATT is equipped to provide the services to clients Pan India.

Contact No : Domestic- 011-24307535, 24365766

Contact No : International- 011-24364913

E mail : [email protected]

TOUR PACKAGES

ATT offers all-inclusive package tours to various destinations across India. It also offers tailor made packages for individuals and groups tours; specially designed for Government officials. ATT is also the preferred agency for providing special darshan facility to its clients for Tirupati conducted tour, operated from centres in the south.

Contact No : 011-26118745

E mail :  [email protected]

TRANSPORTATION –CAR / COACH RENTALS

ATT offers transportation services to Government departments and to tourists through its dedicated fleet of cars along with empanelled transport operators. ATT is the most preferred agency in providing the transport services for the big International Events / Conferences and VVIP State guests received by the Govt. of India through various Ministries.

E mail : [email protected]  

CARGO HANDLING SERVICES

Ashok Travels & Tours offers comprehensive cargo solutions in India and abroad. We have arrangements for smooth handling of cargo within India and abroad. We also arrange the transfers of official goods from city-to-city (Domestic) and country-to-country (International). The services are offered door-to-door which means pick up from the door, packaging of goods, weighing of goods, transportation, customs clearance, local authority clearance, freight booking, door delivery, chartering of vessel or aircraft for project cargo with custom clearance at both the ends.

Contact No : 011-24307424

E mail : [email protected]

TRAVELS & TOURS LOCATION

Delhi (Transport)

Delhi (air ticketing).

Ashok Travels & Tours, Room No-506, 5th floor, Scope Complex, Core-8, 7 Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003

Tele:+91-11-24361874

Email:    [email protected]

• Kolkata: 08017650721, 033-22880901
• Hyderabad: 08106497645, 040-23403596
• Chennai: 044-24350070, 044-24351250, 044-24352251
• Bengaluru: 080-22386114, 080-22261048

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How to Get a Travel Agent License in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

The travel and tourism industry—also known as tour operators and agencies—is a large employer in India and one of its key businesses. The rapid growth in tourism businesses demonstrates the fast growth of new enterprises and start-ups in India. The travel and tourism sector are anticipated to contribute more than a billion dollars to our GDP by 2027.

Thus, this quicker growth rate will have a considerable favorable effect on it. As a result, everyone in this region believes that the next 10 to 20 years will be fruitful. It’s time to examine in-depth information on how to get into the travel business or how to get a travel agent license!

Who is a Travel Agent?

A Licensed Travel Agent is defined by the government as any person or business that assists in making arrangements for:

• Tickets for transport, whether by rail, road, air, or sea,
• Accommodation can be found domestically or internationally.
• Tailored entertainment and excursion packages
• Any services connected to tourism.

How can you get the government acknowledgment?

The individual must have authorization from the Additional Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism, and this authorization is originally valid for a period of five years. The applicable Regional Director and five-person TAAI team must submit an inspection and preliminary report before granting this designation. Following the original duration, a request must be made to have the recognition renewed or extended.

Before extending the recognition for a further five years, the pertinent Regional Director and one TAAI member will assess the accompanying documents after the request has been submitted. The Travel Trade Division will also examine the provided documentation before processing the renewal. In around 60 working days, the complete procedure will be finished.

Requirements for Employees

• The agency must be owned by or administered by a full-time employee who is knowledgeable and competent.
• Building efficient and effective communication skills must receive a lot of attention.
• It must have at least four staff members, with at least one of them holding an AICTE-accredited degree in tourism and travel management.
• The academic requirements may be lowered if the personnel has extraordinary experience and has worked for at least three years for an IATA or UFTA agency.

How to get a travel agent license – Application steps

The application for recognition in the prescribed format must be submitted in duplicate together with the necessary documentation.

• The agency’s capital must be at least Rs. 3.00 lakh.
• Along with audited financial accounts, a certificate from a Chartered Accountant confirming the agency’s capital investment is needed.
• The business must have IATA authorization, or it must act as a general or passenger sales agent for a carrier that has received such authorization.
• The organization was required to have been in existence for at least a year prior to applying.
• The company’s office must be organized and maintained in India. The workplace needs to be at least 100 square feet in places that are more than 1000 meters above sea level.

Other Government Requirement

• The organization must have submitted its IT return for the year in question.
• A cost of INR 3,000 is required to be paid for recognition.
• In the agency’s office, the Certificate of Approval must always be visible.
• The Ministry of Tourism’s judgement is final in all cases involving the recognition and renewal of licenses.
• Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism has the authority to revoke a license if it sees fit.
• The corporation will initially get a Show Cause Notice advising it of the impending decision.

How to become government of India approved Travel Agent?

Registration as a travel agent or agency recognized by the Government of India is desirable, even if it is not compulsory. The system for travel agency recognition (TA) strives to encourage high standards of quality and service in the travel industry. To be registered by the Government of India, a travel agency must adhere to specific standards involving money invested, personnel hired, maintenance of a minimum office area, and other conditions. To become a travel agency authorized by the Indian government, you must furthermore submit an application in the correct manner to the Ministry of Tourism.

How to get a Travel agent certification

A travel agent certification is proof that a person has completed the necessary training to work as a travel agent. After passing an exam and completing a course, candidates can get these certificates. In essence, these programs train students for careers as travel agents with cruise lines, airlines, travel agencies, corporate travel divisions, and tour operators.

To get travel agent certification, follow the following steps:

• Research certification programs
• Meet eligibility requirements
• Complete training or education requirements
• Pass the certification exam
• Maintain certification

Extra Tip:  You may also register in certification programs that provide specializations in niches like cruises, luxury travel, or adventure travel if you want to advance in your travel business. Such specialization might help you stand out and offer knowledge in a certain field.  TBO Academy offers free travel courses

Starting up as a travel agent is a great option for new company entrepreneurs. In conclusion, if you want to work in India’s booming travel business, you must know how license as a travel agent. Certain capital, office, and employee requirements must be met in order to receive government recognition. Registration as a government-approved travel agency is encouraged but not required to sustain high standards. Similarly, having a certification as a travel agent shows proficiency and dedication to the industry and keeps you updated with the changing industry’s landscape. Aspiring travel agents may enter the exciting world of travel and tourism with confidence and be well-positioned for success in this quickly expanding industry with ongoing learning. A registered and licensed travel agency guarantees trustworthiness, complies with the law, and provides access to a wealth of options.

How to Get a Travel Agent License in India FAQS

What is a Travel Agent?

A Travel Agent is a person or business that arranges transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and other tourism-related services.

How to get a Travel Agent license in India?

Apply in the prescribed format, meet capital requirements (Rs. 3.00 lakh), have IATA authorization, and maintain an office in India.

What are the employee requirements for a licensed Travel Agency?

At least four staff members, one with an AICTE-accredited degree in tourism or three years of experience with IATA/UFTA agency.

What are the other government requirements for a Travel Agent license?

Submission of IT return, visible Certificate of Approval in the office, final decision by the Ministry of Tourism.

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Approval for Travel Agency From Ministry of Tourism, Government Of India

Guidelines For Recognition / Renewal As An Approved Travel Agent

• The aims and objectives of the scheme for recognition of Travel Agent are to encourage quality standard and service in this category so as to promote tourism in India. This is a voluntary scheme open to all bonafide travel agencies to bring them in organized sector.
• Definition : A Travel Agent is one who makes arrangements oftickets for travel by air, rail, ship, passport, visa, etc. It may also arrange accommodation, tours, entertainment and other tourism related services.
• 3. The application for recognition shall be addressed to the Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Transport Bhawan, No.1, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001.
• The recognition as an approved Travel Agent shall be granted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, New Delhi initially, for five years, based on the Inspection Report / Recommendations of a Committee comprising of concerned Regional Director and a member of TAAI.
• The application for renewal/extension shall be addressed to the Regional Director of the concerned region as per the following addresses.
• The Regional Director (East), India Tourism, “Embassy”, 4, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata
• The Regional Director (West), India Tourism, 123, M. Karve Road, Opp. Church Gate,
• The Regional Director (North), India Tourism, 88 – Janpath, New Delhi
• The Regional Director (South), India Tourism, 154, Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The Regional Director (North – East), India Tourism, Asom Paryatan Bhawan, 3rd Floor, Near Nepali Mandir, A. K. Azad Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati
• The renewal / extension, thereafter, shall be granted for five years after Inspection conducted by a Committee comprising of concerned Regional Director and a member of TAAI, on an application made by the Travel Agent along with the requisite fee / documents.
• The documents received from applicants after scrutiny in all respects will be acknowledged by the Travel Trade Division in respect of first approval and by the concerned Regional Director for renewal. The inspection for first approval / renewal shall be conducted by the Inspection Team within a period of sixty working days from the receipt of complete application.
• The following conditions must be fulfilled by the Travel Agency for grant of recognition by Ministry of Tourism.
• The application for grant of recognition / renewal shall be in the prescribed form and submitted in duplicate along with the required documents.
• The travel Agency should have a minimum Paid up Capital or (Capital employed) of Rs.3.00 lakh duly supported by the Audited Balance Sheet/ Chartered Accountant’s Certificate.
• (c) The Travel Agency should be approved by International Air Transport Association (IATA) or should be General Sales Agent (GSA) / Passenger Sales Agent (PSA) of an IATA member Airlines.
• The Travel Agency should have been in operation for a minimum period of one year before the date of application.
• The minimum office space should be at least 150 sq. ft for rest of India and 100 sq. ft for hilly areas which are above 1000 meters from sea level. Besides, the office may be located in a neat and clean surrounding and equipped with telephone, fax and computer reservation system etc. There should be sufficient space for reception and easy access to toilet facilities.
• The Travel Agency should be under the charge of the Owner or a full time member who is adequately trained, experienced in matters regarding ticketing, itineraries, transport, accommodation facilities, currency, customs regulations and tourism and travel related services. Besides this, greater emphasis may be given to effective communication skills, knowledge of foreign languages, other than English.

There should be a minimum of four qualified staff out of which at least one should have Diploma / Degree in Tourism & Travel Management from a recognized University, IITTM or an institution approved by AICTE. The owner of the firm would be included as one of the qualified employees.

The academic qualifications may be relaxed in case of the other two staff members who are exceptionally experienced personnel in Airlines, Shipping, Transport and PR agencies, Hotel and other Corporate Bodies and those who have worked for three years with IATA / UFTA agencies and also those who have two years experience with Ministry of Tourism approved Travel Agencies.

For the agencies located in the North – Eastern region, remote and rural areas, there should be a minimum of two staff out of which one should be a qualified employee with a Diploma / Degree in Tourism & Travel Management from a recognized University, IITTM or an institution approved by AICTE. The owner of the firm would be included as one of the qualified employees.

• The Travel Agency should be an income-tax assesses and should have filed Income Tax Return for the current assessment year.
• Disclaimer : The Travel Agency should employ only Regional LevelGuides trained and licensed by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and State Level Guides approved by the State Governments. The implementation of this clause would be subject to the decision of Hon’ble High Court of Rajasthan in Writ Petition No. 5607 / 2004 and other Hon’ble Courts.
• (i)  For outsourcing any of the services relating to tourists, the travel agencies shall use approved specialized agencies in the specific field of activity.
• The Travel Agency will be required to pay a non-refundable fee of Rs.3, 000/- while applying for the recognition and renewal of Head Office as well as each Branch Office. The fee will be payable to the Pay and Accounts Officer, Ministry of Tourism, in the form of a Bank Draft.
• The recognition / renewal will be granted to the Head Office of the Travel Agency. Branch Offices will be approved along with the Head Office or\ subsequently, provided the particulars of the Branch Offices are submitted to Ministry of Tourism for recognition and concerned Regional Director for renewal and accepted by it.
• The Travel Agency so granted recognition / renewal shall be entitled to such incentives and concessions as may be granted by the Government from time to time and shall abide by the terms and conditions of recognition as prescribed from time to time by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Even though the scheme of granting approval of recognition to service providers of Travel Trade is voluntary, in nature, there is a need to have a pro – active role of Ministry of Tourism and Travel Trade to ensure that more and more service providers seek approval and then service the tourists. There is also a need to educate the stakeholders as well as consumers against the potential risk of availing services through the unapproved service providers.
• It shall be mandatory for an approved service provider of Travel Trade to prominently display the Certificate of approval of recognition given by Ministry of Tourism in the office by pasting it on a board or in a picture frame so that it is visible to a potential tourist.
• The decision of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in the matter of recognition / renewal shall be final. However, MOT may in their discretion refuse to recognize / renew any firm or withdraw / withhold at any time recognition / renewal already granted with the approval of the Competent Authority. Before such a decision is taken, necessary Show Cause Notice would invariably be issued and the reply considered on merit. This will be done after careful consideration and generally as a last resort. Circumstances in which withdrawal is affected would also be indicated.

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Important Notice for Travelers to India

1. USE / IMPORT OF SATELLITE PHONES IN INDIA

• As per existing Guidelines issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, only Inmarsat Satphones , excluding BGAN system, are permitted for use/import by Foreign Nationals( Governments , Corporate Houses, Members of Mountaineering Expeditions and other such categories) with prior permission from DoT. Satellite phones brought in baggage/ hand baggage without the necessary Government of India license issued by DoT shall be detained / confiscated, as per existing procedures, till the time the holder of the satellite phone is able to provide a license issued by DoT, Government of India. In case of import of cargo, a declaration is to be given by the person importing the goods about the details of the goods. Therefore, all intending visitors are advised to make a declaration to the Indian Customs to this effect at the first port of entry. Unauthorized operation/ use of any telegraphic service / device, including wireless, constitutes a violation of relevant GoI laws, rules and regulations.
• Thuraya/Irridium Satphone Service is not permitted in India. Anyone using any prohibited telegraphic device, including Satphone, violates the existing laws and is liable to be penalized under the law.”

2. It is advisable to avail pre-paid taxis/auto-rikshaws (three wheeler taxis) wherever available at the airports and railways stations. For metered taxis insist on paying by meter or ask for a fare chart.

3. Shop at Government emporia/fixed price shops as far as possible. This ensures good quality products at reasonable prices. Insist on proper receipts/bills of purchase.

4. Keep your valuables in hotel lockers/safe deposit vaults.

5. India tourism has a system of approving travel agents/tour operators who conform to prescribed standards of service and quality. Always book your tours through such agencies. A list of approved travel agents/tour operators is available at the local India Tourism office/State Government Tourist Office.

6. For guiding services, hire a Government approved tourist guide who always carries an identity card issued by India Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India.

7. Change money only at authorized foreign exchange outlets/banks/hotels and insist on proper receipt.

8. Contact the nearest India Tourism office/State Government Tourist Office for authentic information. All these offices supply guide maps/brochures free of cost/at a nominal cost.

9. Confirm/re-confirm hotel booking yourself.

10. Buy train tickets from Railway Booking Counters or through authorized Travel Agents.

11. Always keep a Xerox copy of your passport and visa for any exigency.

1. Don't fall for tempting exchange rates offered by unauthorized people.

2. Don't allow any unauthorized person to act on your behalf. Stay away from touts.

3. Don't purchase air/bus/train tickets through strangers, touts and unauthorized travel agencies.

4. Don't accept lavish hospitality extended by strangers/unknown persons especially while shopping for jewellery and expensive items.

5. Don't travel in a Taxi carrying any person other than the driver.

Emergency Telephone Numbers: Police-100 / Ambulance-101

Important Notice for travelers to Russia

1. You need to do the registration within 72 hours of your arrival in Russia. Normally it is the hotel, where you are staying supposed to take care of your registration.

2. Please keep the immigration slip (which is being stamped by the Russian immigration authorities at the airport) till your departure from the country.

3. The instances of pick-pocketing and robbing are quite frequent, please keep your valuables always safe. Copies of your travel documents (passport & visa) should always be kept with you. Keep also some passport size photos with you.

4. Please register with the Consulate, so that in case of any emergency, the Consulate could provide assistance or contact your relatives in India.

5. If you lose your credit/debit card, block the same immediately.

1. Do not overstay after expiry of visa, legalizing your stay by getting visa extension locally is not possible.

2. If you aspire to work here, then need to get proper invite from the Russian company for the job. Get in touch with the Russian company directly, do not trust to touts/agents in India. Do not fall prey to false promises and rosy pictures of the job opportunities and salaries shown by touts/agents in India. Many job seekers had been deceived and cheated by such touts and agents.

3. Check the visa before starting your travel. You can’t work on “tourist visa”. There are many such examples of job seekers coming on “tourist visa” and then could not sustain themselves after landing in Russia.

4. There are many false educational institutes, who through their agents promise student visa and jobs in Russia. Don’t fall prey to such promises.

5. Don't take a taxi alone at night. Avoid a car if it has anyone besides a driver. Know where you are going and sound sure of yourself when negotiating a price with the driver.

6. Don't accept lavish hospitality extended by strangers/unknown persons especially while shopping for jewellery and expensive items.

If you are in any emergency (for Indian nationals only) please contact on mobile number: +79111772281

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Our passport agencies and centers :

• Process all applications we receive from acceptance facilities and by mail, and
• Serve customers by appointment only who have urgent travel to a foreign country in the next 14 calendar days, or need a foreign visa in the next 28 calendar days

The U.S. Department of State runs each passport agency and center. An agency and center is different than acceptance facilities which may include post offices, libraries, and local government offices.

Avoid the stress of needing to visit a passport agency or center for urgent travel. Apply early at an  acceptance facility  or  renew by mail .

Steps to Make an Appointment for Urgent Travel

I have not yet applied.

Follow these steps to make an appointment:

• Go to our  Online Passport Appointment System .
• Enter information about your travel plans to see if you qualify for an appointment. You may make an appointment for up to seven members of your household.
• Enter your email address. We will email you a code which you must enter to continue making an appointment. Check your junk or spam folder if you do not see the code in your inbox.
• Enter your mobile phone number. We will send you a text message with another code you must enter to continue making an appointment.
• Complete the process of scheduling your appointment. 
• Check your email for a message confirming the details of your appointment. The system will hold your appointment for 15 minutes. If you do not confirm your appointment within 15 minutes, you will need to start over.
• If you need to cancel or change the appointment, click the link in the confirmation email to get information about your appointment. 

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• Call  1-877-487-2778  from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Mondays through Fridays, or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Se habla español. 

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

• We will provide you unique information that we will check on the day of your appointment to confirm your appointment is legitimate. If you are not the appointment holder, the passport agency or center will not be able to see you.
• If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please call us. We will give your appointment to a new customer calling to make an appointment. You cannot transfer your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know which location is processing my application and has my documents.

The first two digits of your nine-digit passport application locator number allow you to know which agency or center is working on your application. You can find your application locator number by checking our Online Passport Status System . 

How and when should I contact a passport agency or center by mail?

You can find an agency or center's mailing address on each agency or center webpage. You can contact our locations by mail if:

We sent you a letter : If we need more information to process your application , we will send you a letter in the mail. Send the information to the full mailing address in Sterling, VA listed on your letter. Do not send information to the agency’s physical address.

Map of Passport Office Locations

Make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

Not Yet Applied : Make an appointment online

Already Applied : Call  1-877-487-2778 . Se habla español.

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Why the U.S. Is Forcing TikTok to Be Sold or Banned

Lawmakers in numerous countries have expressed concerns that TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, may expose sensitive user data.

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By Sapna Maheshwari and Amanda Holpuch

Concerns that the Chinese government could access sensitive user data through the short-form video app TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, have prompted the U.S. government to pass legislation banning the social media platform unless it is sold to a government-approved buyer.

After President Biden signed into law legislation that gives ByteDance up to a year to divest from TikTok, the company sued the federal government in a case that is likely to end up in front of the Supreme Court.

Here’s why the pressure has been ratcheted up on TikTok.

It all comes down to China.

Lawmakers and regulators in the West have increasingly expressed concern that TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, may put sensitive user data, like location information, into the hands of the Chinese government. They have pointed to laws that allow the Chinese government to secretly demand data from Chinese companies and citizens for intelligence-gathering operations.

They are also worried that China could use TikTok’s content recommendations to fuel misinformation, a concern that has escalated in the United States during the Israel-Hamas war and the presidential election. Critics say that TikTok has fueled the spread of antisemitism.

TikTok has long denied such allegations and has tried to distance itself from ByteDance, which is considered to be one of the world’s most highly valued start-ups .

Have any other countries banned TikTok?

Yes, India did in 2020 , costing ByteDance one of its biggest markets. The government there cracked down on hundreds of Chinese-owned apps , claiming in part that they were secretly transmitting users’ data to foreign servers.

Other countries and government bodies — including Britain and its Parliament , Australia , Canada , the executive arm of the European Union , France and New Zealand’s Parliament — have banned the app from official devices. Taiwan’s minister of digital affairs recently declared TikTok a dangerous product representing a national security threat.

How will the ban work?

The mechanics of the ban take aim at app stores, like those operated by Apple and Google: If they distribute or update TikTok, the federal government could impose civil penalties on them. Internet hosting companies will also be barred from helping to distribute or maintain TikTok.

The push to force a TikTok sale has already generated speculation about potential buyers , including a group of investors brought together by a former Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin; large American corporations; or a coalition of private equity firms.

The sell-or-be-banned approach has raised concern among advocates for digital rights that the United States may be undermining its role in promoting an open and free internet that is not controlled by individual countries.

When will the ban take effect?

TikTok will still be available in the U.S. for now.

The company sued the federal government , and the Chinese government may try to block the sale or export of the technology. These issues could take months, or years, to resolve.

Most of the existing TikTok bans have been put in place by governments and universities that have the power to keep an app off devices or networks that they own and operate.

A broader, government-imposed ban that blocks Americans from using the app could face legal challenges on First Amendment grounds, said Caitlin Chin, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. After all, large numbers of Americans, including elected officials and major news organizations like The New York Times and The Washington Post , now produce videos on TikTok. It is a place where users share artwork, information and opinions about political topics like abortion rights .

First Amendment experts have said that justifying a ban would be a high bar for the government to clear.

Will TikTok be removed from my phone?

Not immediately. The legal challenges could stop the ban from going into effect if the app is not sold.

The exact mechanism for banning an app from privately owned phones is unclear. Montana’s effort to ban TikTok sought to fine the company and app stores if residents downloaded or used TikTok. Congressional proposals have taken a similar approach.

Apple and other companies that operate app stores have the ability to block downloads of apps that no longer work. They also ban apps that carry inappropriate or illegal content , said Justin Cappos, a professor at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering.

They also have the ability to remove apps installed on a user’s phone. “That usually doesn’t happen,” he said.

Biden supported the legislation while his campaign used TikTok.

The Biden administration has wanted TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell the app since last year, according to the company. TikTok has been in yearslong, confidential talks with the administration’s review panel, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, to address the government’s questions about ByteDance’s relationship with the Chinese government and the handling of user data.

TikTok said that it submitted a 90-page proposal in 2022 detailing how it planned to operate in the United States while addressing national security concerns.

Despite the administration’s concerns, Mr. Biden’s re-election campaign made a debut on the app during the Super Bowl . The short but lighthearted video, which saw Mr. Biden dodging questions from an offscreen inquisitor, underscored his attempts to rebuild his support among young voters.

Since then, his campaign has shared dozens of videos on the platform.

What’s happening at the local level?

More than 30 states , and New York City , have joined the federal government in banning TikTok on government-issued devices . Many colleges have blocked it from campus Wi-Fi networks. But students often just switch to cellular data to use the app.

In May 2023, Gov. Greg Gianforte of Montana signed a bill to ban TikTok from operating inside the state, the first prohibition of its kind in the nation.

TikTok filed suit , saying the legislation violated the First Amendment. In late November, a federal judge agreed and granted a preliminary injunction to put the legislation on hold.

What is TikTok’s response?

TikTok has referred to the bans as “political theater” and criticized lawmakers for attempting to censor Americans.

The company in May sued the United States government over the new law forcing divestiture, saying the law violated the First Amendment.

Ahead of the new legislation, TikTok had urged users to oppose a TikTok ban and engaged in a lobbying push to promote the plan it submitted to the government to address national security concerns.

What can I do right now to protect my data if I use TikTok?

To protect your privacy on TikTok, you can employ the same practices used to protect yourself on other social media platforms . That includes not giving apps permission to access your location or contacts .

You can also watch TikTok videos without opening an account .

Sapna Maheshwari reports on TikTok, technology and emerging media companies. She has been a business reporter for more than a decade. Contact her at [email protected] . More about Sapna Maheshwari

Amanda Holpuch covers breaking news and other topics. More about Amanda Holpuch

Election latest: Sunak not taking questions amid talk of Tory battle to succeed him - as Dragon joins Starmer at brewery

A poll has found Reform's Nigel Farage would be the favourite to take over as Tory leader if Rishi Sunak loses the election. Labour says the Conservatives are already battling over the succession. Earlier, the transport secretary denied that the PM's D-Day blunder had lost the election.

Saturday 8 June 2024 15:16, UK

• General Election 2024

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Election news

• PM not taking questions as D-Day row rumbles on
• Sir Keir joined by Dragon to launch small businesses plan
• Farage should take over from Sunak as leader of Tories, poll finds
• Tories will scrap ULEZ expansion in 'backing drivers bill'
• Sunak vows to axe stamp duty for first-time buyers
• Electoral Dysfunction:  What could be in the party manifestos?
• Live reporting by Josephine Franks

Expert analysis

• Rob Powell: It beggars belief someone didn't sound the alarm about PM leaving D-Day events early
• Tamara Cohen: Labour can't believe their luck

Election essentials

• Battle For No 10: PM and Starmer taking part in Sky News special
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Trackers: Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more: Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | How to register to vote | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Your essential guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

Rishi Sunak has faced impromptu questioning over the state of the NHS for a second time in 24 hours.

The prime minister was on the campaign trail again today - but was not taking any questions from journalists as the row over his early departure from D-Day rumbles on.

He attended a fete in his own constituency, where he ended up being challenged over the state of the NHS.

This comes after he was challenged at a campaign rally on Friday over GPs (see here ).

Today, a woman who identified herself as a consultant called Chloe stopped the prime minister and asked him for "his plan for waiting lists" - and claimed the government had left the NHS "completely unprepared" for the pandemic.

The pair shook hands at the start of the encounter, and Mr Sunak moved on after around 30 seconds.

Families with children have been hit hardest by benefit cuts over the past 14 years, according to a new report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).

Parents who are out of work have seen the biggest fall in their incomes, with the IFS saying they had lost £5,500 per year, but in-work families had also seen their entitlements cut back. 

Families with children have seen their incomes fall by an average of £2,200 per year, the thinktank said. 

Changes to the level of child tax credits and the "two-child limit" on Universal Credit payments affected families, as did the overall benefit cap, the IFS found. 

On Friday, the Conservatives announced plans to raise the high-income child benefit tax charge threshold to £120,000, increasing the number of families that would qualify.

But the IFS said this would only "partly" undo the changes of the past 14 years and "still leave the broad picture little changed".

61% of people quizzed in an exclusive Sky News poll think the NHS is in a "poor state", with parts of it "broken".

Reducing NHS waiting times is the issue voters want the next government to prioritise, with 39% of people saying it was their top issue. 

The same Sky News poll asked voters who they trust most to run the NHS. The majority - 32% - said Labour, while only 9% thought the Conservatives. 

But a quarter of those polled didn't think any party could be trusted with the NHS.

With waiting times on voters' minds, Sky's people and politics correspondent Nick Martin spoke to Jasmine, one of the millions waiting months, sometimes years, for treatment.

At 23, she has spent the last 11 years battling endometriosis and lives with what feels like "a ball of acid in the middle of my torso".

Read more of her story here:

The latest Sky News poll tracker has the Conservatives on the same level of support - just 22.8% - as the day Liz Truss left office.

Labour has 43.6% of the share, while Reform UK is on 13.1%, Lib Dems on 9.6%, Greens on 5.7% and SN p on 3%.

The live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

Read more here:

Rishi Sunak took up a watering can and was encouraged to apply for an allotment garden by volunteers while on the campaign trail in County Durham. 

An opportunity for the media to ask questions of Rishi Sunak did not take place as was originally planned, likely following the fallout on Friday of his early return from D-Day commemorations.

Members of the public could be seen gathered on a hillside above the garden to try to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.

At the garden, Mr Sunak spoke with volunteers Margaret Lambert and Hilary Bellwood and watered plants with Jane MacBean, Conservative candidate for Bishop Auckland.

Sir Keir Starmer has promised to overhaul the business rates system, saying there's "not a level playing field between businesses that are online and those that are ... bricks and mortar".

The Labour leader was joined by Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden at 3 Locks Brewery in Camden, London, to launch the party's plan for small businesses.

"We want small businesses to thrive because they are the backbone of our economy and they need that stability in our economy, and they need to know that their energy bills are actually going to be lower and stable," he said. 

Labour launched its plans for Great British Energy policy a week ago - a new, publicly owned company that would generate homegrown green energy across the country. 

Meaden voiced her support for the plans: "Businesses don't like being out of control of costs and energy is one of those costs that simply fluctuates beyond your control," she said.

Sir Keir pulled the first pint of the day at 10.55am and was heard saying "if all else fails", he will be back at the brewery on 5 July.

John Swinney says Rishi Sunak "completely destroyed" his credibility as prime minister by leaving D-Day commemorations early. 

Speaking to journalists on the campaign trail in Livingston, the Scottish First Minister said: "I think Rishi Sunak's credibility is completely destroyed by his departure from D-Day early and the insult he delivered to the veterans who had travelled to Normandy for that solemn occasion.

"It also, frankly, was a desertion of the international responsibilities of the prime minister.

"The prime minister and especially the Conservative election campaign is now utterly in tatters."

Mr Sunak was forced to apologise for leaving France before an international ceremony attended by world leaders, saying it had been a mistake - but he said it was important not to "politicise" the decision. 

The Tory battle bus has rolled into County Durham, with Rishi Sunak heading to two locations in the North East today - but don't expect him to be answering questions. 

The PM is not doing any interviews with national or broadcast media today and a possible huddle - when he takes questions from reporters off-camera - has been cancelled. 

He may, however, do some interviews with regional media. 

While the PM may not be speaking for himself today, much has been said this morning about his decision to bow out of D-Day commemorations early. 

Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds called it "inexplicable" while Sir Ed Davey said it made him "pretty cross" and Transport Secretary Mark Harper labelled it a "mistake" - but said it wouldn't cost the Tories the election. 

The Lib Dem leader says he's "pretty cross" about Rishi Sunak's decision to leave D-Day commemorations early and has called on him to make a donation to a veterans' charity to make amends. 

Sir Ed Davey urged the Conservatives to give some of the cash donated to the party by Frank Hester, a businessman who was embroiled in a racism row, to charity.

"I think the Conservative Party should give £5m of that donation to a veterans' charity. I think if they did that, then people might be able to draw the line.

"But it's such a letdown for our whole country and our history, particularly for our brave veterans."

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to create three new national parks in England.

This manifesto commitment would bring the number of national parks in England up to 13, with the party saying it would spend £50m a year maintaining them. 

The Chilterns in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire are possible locations for the new parks, along with the Mendips, Cotswolds and Quantocks.

Other proposed areas include the Surrey Hills, Northumberland coast and Dorset. 

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused the Tories of having "broken too many promises to protect our countryside".

"It is hard to overstate the difference things like National Parks can make to entire communities," he said.

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