What Lies Ahead for TikTok in Canada After U.S. App Shutdown?
What’s Next for TikTok in Canada After U.S. Shutdown Sparks Global Debate?
Following TikTok’s temporary blackout in the United States due to government intervention, questions loom over the app’s future in Canada. Concerns about national security, data privacy, and regulatory enforcement dominate the conversation.
On Sunday, millions of U.S. users found themselves unable to access content on TikTok after it was removed from major app stores like Google’s and Apple’s. TikTok later confirmed it was working to restore service in the U.S., stating on X:
“We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.”
TikTok also committed to collaborating with U.S. officials on a long-term solution, as ByteDance, its China-based parent company, navigates demands to divest its U.S. operations.
U.S. Legislative Actions and Implications
A federal law enacted in April 2024 mandated ByteDance sever ties with TikTok’s U.S. division by January 19, citing national security risks. The company’s legal challenges failed, with the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the statute days before the deadline.
President Joe Biden’s administration is implementing a plan to keep TikTok operational for 90 days under strict conditions, giving ByteDance more time to secure a buyer.
TikTok’s Position in Canada
In November 2024, Canada’s federal government ordered ByteDance to close its TikTok offices in Toronto and Vancouver following a national security review. While the timeline remains unclear, TikTok Canada confirmed its offices are still operational, employing hundreds of staff.
This decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some experts see it as a missed opportunity to enforce Canadian laws, while others acknowledge the significant risks posed by the platform’s data collection practices.
Dr. Emily B. Laidlaw, a cybersecurity law expert from the University of Calgary, expressed skepticism about Canada’s approach:
“This is a blunt solution to a national security problem when what’s needed is a scalpel. Robust laws targeting online harms, privacy, and artificial intelligence across all social media platforms, including TikTok, would be far more effective.”
Security and Privacy Concerns
Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood, a computer science professor at Dalhousie University, highlighted the app’s vulnerabilities:
“In today’s world, data is currency. TikTok’s code and its parent company’s policies are opaque, making it difficult to assess what data is collected or how it’s used. Using TikTok is like standing on an unsafe balcony—proceed at your own risk.”
Zincir-Heywood supports Canada’s 2023 decision to ban TikTok on government-issued devices and suggests closer alignment with U.S. measures.
TikTok Canada’s Response
TikTok Canada has challenged the federal order to shut down its operations, emphasizing the potential impact on jobs and local communities.
“This order would eliminate the livelihoods of hundreds of employees who support 14 million monthly Canadian users,” the company stated in December 2024.
TikTok maintains that it has increased transparency efforts, publishing detailed reports on its data protection practices and promising further updates to build trust.
A Global Precedent?
The actions in the U.S. and Canada may set a precedent for how countries regulate social media platforms, particularly those with foreign ownership. Laidlaw warned that these decisions could influence global internet policy:
“I can’t overstate the ripple effect this will have on other countries, which may adopt similar laws for different purposes.”
As TikTok navigates mounting scrutiny, its future in Canada remains uncertain. Experts agree that robust legislation—not outright bans—may provide a more balanced path forward.
