TikTok Ordered to Shut Down Operations in Canada

The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to cease its operations in the country, citing national security risks associated with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. However, the roughly 6 million users in Canada will still have access to the app, as the order specifically targets TikTok’s Canadian operations rather than the app itself – preventing the company from actively operating within Canada directly.

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne explained that the decision followed a national security review of ByteDance’s activities in Canada, particularly its proposal to expand its business. The review, supported by Canada’s security and intelligence community, revealed concerns over potential risks linked to TikTok’s operations.

In response, TikTok has announced plans to challenge the closure order in court. The company expressed its opposition to the shutdown, warning it would result in the loss of numerous local jobs. Despite this, TikTok emphasized that the platform would remain accessible for Canadian users, allowing creators and businesses to continue utilizing its services.

This move follows a previous ban on TikTok from Canadian government-issued devices in 2023, due to concerns about privacy and security. The app has also faced scrutiny in the U.S., where it is fighting a law that could force ByteDance to sell the app or face a potential nationwide ban – although with Trump’s re-election, it’s unclear whether or not this U.S. ban is still on the table.