Canada orders TikTok to wind up its operations over national security threats
Photo: Canada orders TikTok to wind up operations in the country (Getty Images)
The Canadian government has ordered the local TikTok branch to cease operations in the country due to national security concerns, according to François-Philippe Champagne, Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
The shutdown of TikTok in Canada follows a multi-step review of national security risks conducted by the country’s intelligence services.
"The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc. The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners," Champagne said.
Meanwhile, a TikTok spokesperson said the company would challenge the Canadian government's decision.
"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," the spokesperson said.
As a reminder, US President Joe Biden signed a law allowing for a potential ban on TikTok in the US in April. The same could apply to other foreign apps and platforms.
For more details on the issues with TikTok and its national security risks, read RBC-Ukraine's full report.
