Newsroom

Canada orders shutdown of TikTok’s offices amid national security concerns

Canada orders shutdown of TikTok’s offices amid national security concerns

Canada orders shutdown of TikTok’s offices amid national security concerns

With rising scrutiny, Canada's move adds pressure to TikTok's global operations

With rising scrutiny, Canada's move adds pressure to TikTok's global operations

With rising scrutiny, Canada's move adds pressure to TikTok's global operations

TikTok logo displayed on a slanted phone against a dark brick-like wall background.
TikTok logo displayed on a slanted phone against a dark brick-like wall background.
TikTok logo displayed on a slanted phone against a dark brick-like wall background.

Highlights:

  • Canada orders TikTok to shut down its offices over national security concerns.

  • Canadians can still use the app, but the government advises caution due to privacy risks.

  • TikTok plans to challenge the decision in court, citing job loss and operational impact.

Get smarter at marketing in just 5 minutes

Our 1x weekly, bite-sized newsletter will give you everything you need to know in the world of marketing:

The Canadian government has ordered TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, to shut down its operations within the country. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced that the decision stems from national security concerns over ByteDance's control and potential influence from foreign governments. "The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada," he said. 

Why Canada took the action

Champagne said the decision was based on "a multi-step national security review process, which involves rigorous scrutiny by Canada’s national security and intelligence community." The Canada Investment Act, which allows the government to block foreign investments if they pose national security risks also provided a framework for the review.

The Canadian government has previously shown concern about TikTok’s security risks. In February 2023. It  banned the app on all government devices, citing “an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security.”

Users can still use the app

Despite the decision to shut down TikTok's business in Canada, the government has clarified it is not banning Canadians from using the app. Champagne’s statement confirmed, “The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.” 

Canadians can continue to use, download, and post on TikTok, and businesses can still advertise on the platform. However, Champagne urged Canadians to “adopt good cybersecurity practices” and assess the risks of using social media apps that may be influenced by foreign bodies.

TikTok’s response

TikTok plans to challenge the order in court. A spokesperson for TikTok criticized the decision, saying, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest." 

This decision could disrupt the company’s expansion plans in Canada. TikTok Shop, a new in-app e-commerce feature, and a Creator Rewards Program were expected to launch by year’s end, but these initiatives are now delayed.

11/11/2024

📰

Stories like this, in your inbox every Wednesday

Our 1x weekly, bite-sized newsletter will give you everything you need to know in the world of marketing:

Subscribe

Paperboy brand

The Keyword

© Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved

© Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved