Canada Orders TikTok to Shut Canadian Operations Over National Security Concerns
Canada's federal government ordered TikTok to shut down its Canadian subsidiary following a national security review, citing concerns that the Chinese-owned platform could allow Beijing access to user data. The order suspends TikTok's business operations while allowing individual users continued access to the app.
What happened
On November 6, 2024, the Canadian federal government ordered TikTok to wind down its Canadian operations following a national security review. Innovation Minister Franรงois-Philippe Champagne stated the decision was based on information and evidence that surfaced during the review and advice from Canada's security and intelligence community.
The order requires TikTok Technology Canada Inc. to shutter its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. The government stressed it is not blocking Canadians from accessing the app or creating content on it, leaving app usage to individual choice.
Reported impact
TikTok stated that shutting down its Canadian offices would destroy hundreds of well-paying local jobs. The company said it plans to challenge the order in court.
Index analysis
Critics have claimed that TikTok users' data could be obtained by the Chinese government. ByteDance owner TikTok is accused of helping to build China's system for cracking down on the Uyghur minority and targeting protesters in Hong Kong.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service warned Canadians, including teenagers, against using TikTok. Former CSIS director David Vigneault stated it is 'very clear' that information collected by the app is available to the government of China, which TikTok has denied.
Governance controls
The decision was made under the Investment Canada Act, which allows for review of foreign investments that may harm Canada's national security. In 2023, Canada had joined the US and European Union in banning the application on government-issued devices.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.