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The Canadian Government has ordered the social media app TikTok, which is owned by a Chinese company, to close its offices in the country after a national security review.
The Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development issued the news publicly on Wednesday (November 6).
“As a result of a multi-step national security review process, which involves rigorous scrutiny by Canada’s national security and intelligence community, the Government of Canada has ordered the wind up of the Canadian business carried on by TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.,” Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in a statement.
The statement says the government is taking this 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 said to be based on information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community, along with other government partners.
While the government has ordered the shutdown of its business in Canada, they aren’t blocking access to the app.
“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content. The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice.
“It is important for Canadians to adopt good cyber security practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
TikTok responds to Canada’s order
On the same day of the public announcement by the Canadian government, TikTok added a post to its newsroom about its response.
The company says: “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 TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests, and for businesses to thrive.”
This move comes after President Biden signed a law in April that gives ByteDance until January 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States.
Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram
