Canada has ordered TikTok to cease operations within the country, instructing the social media platform to close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. However, Canadian users will still be able to access the app itself.
The decision follows a national security review conducted by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that TikTok’s activities were deemed a threat to national security, though he did not provide specific details.
“We concluded that these activities… would be harmful to national security,” Champagne told CBC News, emphasizing the seriousness of the government’s actions.
TikTok has strongly opposed the order and announced plans to challenge it in court.
A spokesperson for the company argued that closing its Canadian offices would result in substantial job losses, stating, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest.”
This move comes after Canada imposed previous restrictions on TikTok, including a ban on government-issued devices in 2023 due to privacy and security concerns.
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced similar scrutiny in the U.S., which has also explored further restrictions based on national security issues.
Despite the government order, TikTok has stated that it will continue to serve Canadian users, allowing creators to connect and businesses to operate on the platform.
However, the ongoing dispute between TikTok and Canadian authorities highlights the growing tensions between governments and the app’s China-based parent company.
