TikTok Offices Shut Down in Canada over National Security Risks
Canadian Government has demanded complete shutdown of TikTok operations in the country, citing national security risks raised by TikTok and parent company, ByteDance. However, users can still download and create content on the app.
Reason Behind the Shutdown
In the latest world news, François-Phillipe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry announced, “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. 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.”
Champagne also mentioned that the government was not blocking Canadian’s access to the app or creating content and added that the decision to use social media application of platform is a personal choice. It’s just the TikTok operations in Canada would no longer be conducted.
National Security Concerns
The decision was made under the Investment Canada Act which allows the review of foreign investments that could put Canada’s national security in harm’s way. The app was previously banned from official government devices in February 2023.
He also said the decision was made after carefully assessing the “information and evidence” during a national security review launched last year. Advice from the Canadian security and intelligence community was also taken in account.
TikTok’s Response
Company spokesperson Danielle Morgan said in response that they will challenge this order in court. “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying jobs is not in anyone’s best interest, and today’s shutdown order will do just that.” she stated. “The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
TikTok has previously been under scrutiny multiple times over how they handle user data. Some critics have mentioned that China is involved in handling the data which raises many security concerns. Though TikTok has specified that there is no need to be alarmed.
Well, Canada is not the only country where TikTok is the talk of the town. With the alarming rise in social media users, including children and teenagers, the Australian Government announced banning social media, including TikTok, Instagram, and others, for children under the age of 16, yesterday. In a recent cybersecurity news, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “Social media is doing harm to our kids and I’m calling time on it,” over his concern for children’s mental and physical health.
