Canada has ordered the business of TikTok be shut on “specific” national security grounds related to China-based parent company ByteDance.
But Canadians, following a review of the social media platform’s presence in Canada, will still be able to use their TikTok accounts.
Canada hasn’t revealed the security concerns posed by TikTok Technology Canada, Inc. uncovered in the national security review process.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content. 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."
TikTok plans legal action.
"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.
"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."
In the US, TikTok faces a full ban but president-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to overturn this because it could make Meta more powerful.
In Australia, TikTok has been banned from government devices.
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