Canada has ordered TikTok to cease operations in the country, citing unspecified “national security risks” posed by the company and its parent company ByteDance. The move would force TikTok to “discontinue” all operations in the country, but the Canadian government stopped short of banning the app.
Francois-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said in a statement: “Through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc., the government has identified certain national security risks associated with ByteDance’s operations in Canada. We are taking steps to address this.” . “This decision was made based on information and evidence gathered during the review process and the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence communities and other government partners.”
The Canadian government said in a statement that Canada’s crackdown on TikTok follows a “multi-step national security review process” conducted by intelligence agencies. As CBC points out, the country previously banned the app from official government terminals. This also comes months after the US passed a law that could potentially ban the app within states. U.S. lawmakers have also cited national security concerns and the app’s ties to China. TikTok has filed extensive legal challenges to the law.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the company will also appeal Canada’s order. “It is in no one’s interest to close TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroy hundreds of good-paying local jobs. Today’s closure order will do just that,” the spokesperson said. We intend to challenge this order in court. The TikTok platform will survive.” It can be used by creators to find an audience, explore new interests, and grow their businesses. ”
