Boma Achenimie 
The Canadian government has ordered the total shutdown of TikTok’s operations within the country, citing national security risks linked to the Chinese-owned company.
The decision which was announced on Wednesday, includes the closure of TikTok’s offices in Toronto and Vancouver, although Canadians will still be able to access the app and create content.
The Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry,François-Philippe Champagne made this disclosure in a statement issued to the press.
Speaking on the development, the Minister explained that while the app itself is not being blocked, the government has taken action due to concerns over ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada, specifically the activities of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
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“The government’s action is to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd’s operations in Canada,” Champagne said, emphasizing that the move was targeted at ensuring the safety of Canadian data and security infrastructure.
He also reassured Canadians that the app itself will remain accessible, as the decision does not prohibit users from downloading or using TikTok.
“The decision to use a social media app or platform is a personal choice,” he added.
The ban comes amid increasing scrutiny of TikTok in North America and Europe over data privacy concerns, with several countries raising alarms about the potential for Chinese government influence over user data.
The United States and European Union have also taken steps to address the security risks posed by TikTok, with calls for stricter regulations or outright bans in certain jurisdictions.
As of now, it remains unclear what specific actions Canada will take to monitor or further restrict TikTok’s influence, but the government has made it clear that it is prioritizing national security in its ongoing response to foreign-owned tech companies operating in Canada.
