Canada orders shutdown of TikTok’s offices amid national security concerns
The Canadian government has ordered TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, to shut down its operations within the country. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced that the decision stems from national security concerns over ByteDance's control and potential influence from foreign governments. "The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada," he said.
Why Canada took the action
Champagne said the decision was based on "a multi-step national security review process, which involves rigorous scrutiny by Canada’s national security and intelligence community." The Canada Investment Act, which allows the government to block foreign investments if they pose national security risks also provided a framework for the review.
The Canadian government has previously shown concern about TikTok’s security risks. In February 2023. It banned the app on all government devices, citing “an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security.”
Users can still use the app
Despite the decision to shut down TikTok's business in Canada, the government has clarified it is not banning Canadians from using the app. Champagne’s statement confirmed, “The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.”
Canadians can continue to use, download, and post on TikTok, and businesses can still advertise on the platform. However, Champagne urged Canadians to “adopt good cybersecurity practices” and assess the risks of using social media apps that may be influenced by foreign bodies.
TikTok’s response
TikTok plans to challenge the order in court. A spokesperson for TikTok criticized the decision, saying, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest."
This decision could disrupt the company’s expansion plans in Canada. TikTok Shop, a new in-app e-commerce feature, and a Creator Rewards Program were expected to launch by year’s end, but these initiatives are now delayed.