Canada orders TikTok to halt operations as ‘national security’ takes centre stage

OTTOWA: Canada mandated that TikTok halt its operations in the country, citing its national security concerns linked to the platform and its parent company, ByteDance.

The order requires TikTok to windup its business activities in Canada, although the Canadian government clarified that it will not prevent Canadians from accessing the app or creating content.

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Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Francois-Phillippe Champagne, announced the decision.

“The government is taking steps to mitigate specific national security  risks associated with ByteDance Ltd’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc”.

The minister stated that the decision was based on ‘evidence’ gathered during a thorough review and recommendations from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies.

The action follows a detailed national security review process conducted by the Canadian intelligence. The review began last year when the government assessed TikTok’s plans for investment and expansion in Canada.

The examination is part of Canada’s broader initiative to evaluate potential risks from foreign investments, particularly those involving companies with ties to China.

The Canadian government’s move aligns with similar actions taken by its neighbour, United States. The US officials expressed ‘concerns’ regarding TikTok’s connections to the Chinese government.

Earlier this year, US legislation was passed that could lead to a ban on the app, with TikTok actively contesting the law in court.

In response to the Canadian order, a TikTok spokesperson announced plans to challenge the decision legally.

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“Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and eliminating hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest. We will contest this order in court”, the spokesperson stated.

Canada previously restricted TikTok’s presence in the country by banning the app on official government devices.