Canada has ordered TikTok to wind down its operations within the country, citing national security risks associated with the video-sharing platform. The Canadian government confirmed that TikTok, which currently operates offices in Vancouver and Toronto, is expected to cease its business activities in Canada. However, Canadians will still have access to the app, and they will not be barred from posting or viewing content.
The decision follows a security review led by the Canadian government, with input from national security and intelligence agencies. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, explained that the action was taken based on findings from this review and consultation with other governmental security experts. Champagne highlighted concerns over potential data risks linked to ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, which prompted the need for a shutdown of its Canadian operations.
Despite the order, Canadian users will continue to have access to TikTok. Champagne reassured the public that there will be no restrictions on citizens’ use of the app. However, he underscored the importance of adopting sound cybersecurity practices and assessing privacy risks when using social media platforms, particularly when data may be accessed by foreign entities. He urged Canadians to remain cautious about how their data might be “protected, managed, used, and shared by foreign actors.”
TikTok, which has faced bans on government devices in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia, issued a response, expressing concern over the government’s decision. A spokesperson for TikTok stated, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest, and today’s shutdown order will do just that. We will challenge this order in court.” TikTok emphasized that it takes data privacy seriously and is committed to addressing security concerns.
Meanwhile, TikTok is also facing a looming deadline in the United States, where the White House has introduced legislation requiring ByteDance to sell its stake in the app by January 19. If ByteDance does not comply, TikTok could be banned across the U.S. This follows past efforts by former President Donald Trump to force a sale of the app, a stance he reiterated during recent campaign events, pledging to “save” TikTok.
TikTok has filed a lawsuit in the U.S., asserting that the proposed law infringes on First Amendment rights by potentially restricting free speech.
