Canada Shuts Down TikTok’s Canadian Operations, App Access to Continue

On Wednesday, Canada ordered the shutdown of TikTok’s operations in the country, citing national security risks that could potentially allow the Chinese government access to Canadian users’ data. However, it clarified that the government was not preventing Canadians from accessing the short video app or creating content on the platform.

“The government is taking steps to address specific national security concerns related to ByteDance Ltd’s activities in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.,” Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated.

Under Canadian law, the government can evaluate foreign investments for potential national security risks, as in the case of the TikTok proposal, though details of these investments remain confidential.

“The decision was made based on information and evidence gathered during the review and on advice from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies and other government partners,” Champagne added.

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TikTok has announced its intention to challenge the order in court.

“Closing TikTok’s Canadian offices and cutting hundreds of well-paid local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest, and today’s order will result in just that,” a TikTok spokesperson commented.

Canada has already banned TikTok from government devices, citing unacceptable risks to privacy and security.

In the United States, TikTok and ByteDance filed a lawsuit in federal court in May to block a law signed by President Joe Biden. The law, signed on April 24, requires ByteDance to sell TikTok by January 19 or face a ban.

The White House has indicated it aims to end Chinese ownership of TikTok on national security grounds, though it does not seek a complete ban on the app itself.