Canada ordered TikTok’s Canadian operations abrogated over national security concerns, though access remains. TikTok plans to challenge the decision.
Expressing concerns over national security, though Canadians will still be able to access and create content on the popular short-video app Canada has ordered the abrogation of TikTok’s business in the country. Demonstrating that the government is addressing specific security risks associated with ByteDance Ltd’s operations in Canada by establishing TikTok Technology Canada Inc., Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne declared the decision on Wednesday.
To extend its business in the country last year, The Canadian government began scrutinizing TikTok’s plans. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced similar scrutiny in multiple countries over data privacy concerns linked to its Chinese ownership. Foreign investments that may cause security risks are subject to review, under Canadian law, though details of the investments remain secret.
The decision was conveyed by “information and evidence collected” during the review, as well as guidance from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies, Champagne emphasized. TikTok has signaled its plans to challenge the order, with a spokesperson expressing concerns about the influence on Canadian jobs, which they argue will be jeopardized by the abrogation, despite the government’s decision.
A step taken by other Western countries as well, in a separate measure, Canada has also abrogated TikTok from government devices due to privacy and security concerns. Particularly in the United States, where legal battles are also underway, the situation expresses growing global scrutiny of TikTok and ByteDance. Challenging a law signed by President Joe Biden that mandates ByteDance to deprive its ownership of TikTok by January 19, 2024, or face a U.S. ban on the app, ByteDance and TikTok sued in U.S. federal court in May.
Aiming to mitigate national security concerns tied to Chinese ownership without fully banning TikTok in the U.S, The White House’s stance echoes Canada’s consideration. On privacy and data security issues connected to the app’s operations, both governments are focused on addressing potential threats relating to this app.
