TikTok Technology Canada has been ordered to dissolve by the Canadian government after a multi-phase inquiry that revealed information and proof that the social media corporation posed a national risk.
The security and intelligence community’s and other government partners’ recommendations were also taken into account. It does not prevent Canadians from using the TikTok site or from producing and sharing content there.
“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 winding up of the Canadian business carried on by TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.” reads the announcement.
“The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.”
Since the Canadian government has not released any information, it is unknown what security threats ByteDance presents to the nation.
However, due to worries about possible user data collection that the Chinese government could utilize for influence operations in support of the Chinese Communist Party, TikTok has been the target of several countries, with the United States being the most vociferous.
A spokeswoman for the Canadian government responded to a request for additional information from the media with the following statement:
“The confidentiality provisions of the Investment Canada Act prohibit the Government from commenting further on the case.”
According to the proclamation, Canada still welcomes foreign investment but will act if its national security is in jeopardy.
In a brief statement, TikTok voiced its disapproval of the ruling and said it will pursue legal action to get the judgment overturned.
“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.”
Canadians free to use TikTok
The notification from Canada reassures users that they are not affected by the closure of TikTok’s headquarters there, so they can continue using the app if they so choose.
“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content,” stated François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
“The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice.”
However, the notice cites the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s user data safety advice, which suggests that users take into account the following:
- To find out if an app is reliable and secure to use, read its terms and privacy statement.
- Make sure the app has robust authentication, visibility controls, and good privacy settings.
- Restrict app permissions such as camera and precise location access, and exercise caution when disclosing personal information.
- Find out which countries’ privacy rules apply and where the app maintains user data.
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