Canada Orders Closure of Both TikTok Offices in the Country over National Security Concerns

The Canadian government has asked TikTok to shut down both its offices in the country citing national security concerns. However, it’s worth noting that this is not a ban on the app itself. Users in Canada will still be able to use TikTok. 

Apparently, the company has been under review for years. The decision was brought to light by Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne. 

He said that in a national security review, it was found that both the offices of TikTok (one in Toronto and another in Vancouver) were conducting activities that could hurt Canada’s security interests.

Therefore, based on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community, the decision was made. What exactly TikTok’s offices were doing has not been revealed, but he did say that there’s enough information and evidence to support their claims. 

“I’m not at liberty to go into much detail, but I know Canadians would understand when you’re saying the government of Canada is taking measures to protect national security, that’s serious,” he added.

Some believe that these activities might refer to TikTok secretly transferring user data to China in ways that the authorities are yet to decipher. However, the company has denied these claims time and again and we don’t have any official confirmation from the government either. So, for now, it’s just an assumption. 

It’s also important to note that Canada’s decision follows another landmark ruling – the government banning the use of TikTok on government devices in February 2023. So, it’s pretty clear that the company has been in hot waters in Canada for quite some time now. 

Read more: Cryptocurrency Exchange Gemini will no longer operate in Canada

How Can Canadians Still Use TikTok?

Canada has no issue with the app itself. It’s just about how the company runs its business and operations in Canada that bothered the authorities and compelled them to take action. 

Minister François-Philippe also added that using social media is a very personal matter and Canadian citizens are free to make their own choices. However, he also remarked that users should keep their eyes wide open while they use any app and be aware of the risks associated with it. 

What Does TikTok Have to Say About This?

TikTok is obviously unhappy with the Canadian government’s decision and has announced that it will be taking legal action against it. 

Closing two offices means that hundreds of well-paid employees will lose their jobs, which, as a TikTok spokesperson said, is not in the best interest of anyone. So, they have decided to challenge the decision in court. 

Canada isn’t the first company to take action against TikTok. We all remember the iconic battle between the US and TikTok, which, by the way, is still going on in full swing. 

The US, concerned over its strained relationship with China, wants the company to cut ties with its Chinese parent company ByteDance. If not, TikTok could risk getting banned in the country. TikTok has refused to comply and has challenged this order in the court. The final verdict is yet to be announced.