Canada Orders TikTok to Shut Down Offices Citing National Security Concerns
Canada has ordered TikTok to cease its operations within the country following a national security review, though users will still be able to access the app and post content.
The Canadian government cited “specific national security risks” as the reason for demanding TikTok wind down its business operations, which currently includes offices in Vancouver and Toronto. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, stated that the decision was based on evidence gathered during the review and advice from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies and other government partners.
Champagne emphasized that the government is not restricting Canadian users’ access to TikTok or their ability to upload content. TikTok has already been banned from government-issued devices in Canada, as well as in the US, UK, New Zealand, and Australia, due to concerns about data access by the Chinese-owned app.
Though the minister did not detail specific security issues, he pointed to potential risks involving ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, and its Canadian operations through TikTok Technology Canada. Champagne encouraged Canadians to practice strong cybersecurity habits and consider potential risks when using social media platforms, particularly regarding how their data may be handled and shared by foreign entities.
A TikTok spokesperson responded, saying, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and eliminating hundreds of well-paying local jobs is counterproductive, and today’s shutdown order will have that effect. We intend to challenge this order in court. TikTok takes data privacy concerns very seriously.”
TikTok is also facing a possible full ban in the US, where legislation has been introduced requiring ByteDance to sell its stake in the platform by January 19 or face a shutdown. President-elect Donald Trump, who previously pushed for TikTok’s sale during his administration, has indicated he would “save” the platform. TikTok is challenging the US legislation in court, arguing it infringes on First Amendment protections for free speech.
