On Wednesday, Canada ordered TikTok’s business in the country to shut down, citing national security concerns. However, the government clarified that Canadians can still use the app and create content.
“In order to address specific national security risks related to ByteDance’s operations in Canada, we are taking action through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc,” said Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. Canada began reviewing TikTok’s plans to expand its business in the country last year. ByteDance, a Chinese company, owns TikTok.
Canadian law allows the government to review foreign investments for national security risks, but it prevents officials from sharing specific details about these cases.
“The decision is based on information gathered during the review and advice from Canada’s security agencies,” added Champagne.
TikTok said it plans to challenge the shutdown order in court.
“Closing TikTok’s Canadian offices and cutting hundreds of local jobs won’t help anyone,” a TikTok spokesperson responded.
Canada previously banned TikTok from government devices, citing privacy and security risks. In the U.S., TikTok and ByteDance are also facing legal challenges. A law signed by President Joe Biden on April 24 requires ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19 or face a potential ban. The U.S. government aims to end Chinese ownership of the app for national security reasons without fully banning it.
