Citing national security concerns, the government of Canada Wednesday
ordered TikTok to cease operations in the country. Canadian users will continue to be able to access the TikTok app inside Canada, however.
“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 wind up of the Canadian business carried on by
TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.," the Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said in a statement, emphasizing that the move was based on the advice
of Canada's security and intel community after reviewing evidence that TikTok's Canadian operations represented a national security threat.
“The government is not blocking
Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content," the statement continued, noting: "The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal
choice. It is important for Canadians to adopt good cyber security practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely
to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply."
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"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," TikTok said in a responding statement, adding: "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."