In a significant move over national security concerns, the Canadian government announced on Wednesday it has ordered TikTok's Canadian operations to shut down. While Canadians can still use the app, the popular video-sharing platform must close its two Canadian offices in Toronto and Vancouver.
This decision follows a lengthy security review of TikTok's parent company, ByteDance Ltd., which raised fears about potential data sharing with the Chinese government.
TikTok's Canadian Shut Down
Canada's Innovation Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, explained that the decision was made to protect Canada's national security.
Although he refrained from disclosing specific details, Champagne indicated the decision was based on recommendations from Canada's intelligence community and other security experts.
According to Champagne, this step was necessary to address risks associated with ByteDance's establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc. under the Investment Canada Act, which allows Canada to review foreign investments that could impact the country's security, AP News said.
Despite this shutdown order, Champagne clarified that Canadians are still free to download and use TikTok. "The government is not blocking access to the TikTok app," he stated, emphasizing that the choice to use social media platforms is up to individual Canadians.
However, he encouraged Canadians to be cautious about cybersecurity and protect their personal information, particularly in light of the risks associated with TikTok's data practices.
TikTok Faces Global Pressure
The decision to dissolve TikTok's Canadian operations mirrors growing concerns worldwide about the app's Chinese ownership.
ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is headquartered in Beijing, raising fears in many Western countries that the Chinese government could demand access to user data or use the platform to spread pro-China content.
According to CBC via MSN, TikTok has faced scrutiny not only in Canada but also in the United States and Europe, where similar fears have led to restrictions and calls for a ban. In fact, the US government has required that ByteDance sell TikTok to a US-based company or face a ban, underscoring broader international concerns.
TikTok's response to Canada's announcement was swift. A spokesperson for the company criticized the shutdown order, noting that the closure of its Canadian offices will result in job losses. "This decision will destroy hundreds of well-paying local jobs," the spokesperson stated, adding that the company intends to challenge the order in court.
Many security experts agree that TikTok's presence poses unique risks. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has warned Canadians, including young users, about the potential dangers of using TikTok.
Former CSIS director David Vigneault has voiced concerns that data collected by TikTok could eventually be accessed by the Chinese government. He emphasized that while TikTok might seem harmless to young users now, data collected could be exploited in the future.
For now, TikTok will remain accessible in Canada, though its local business operations will close.
