Canadian govt orders shutdown of TikTok’s business operations over security risks

The Canadian federal government has ordered the closure of TikTok’s business operations within Canada after a national security review.

However, Canadians will still be able to access the app, as the government’s decision only impacts TikTok’s ability to conduct business activities in the country.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the order on Wednesday, explaining that the action was taken to mitigate risks linked to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.

“The decision was based on information gathered during the review and recommendations from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies,” Champagne stated.

Although TikTok’s business operations in Canada will wind down, Canadians can continue to create accounts and use the app. The government also encouraged Canadians to practice good cybersecurity and carefully assess risks when using social media platforms.

In response, a TikTok spokesperson confirmed that the decision would result in substantial job losses in Canada and added that the company intends to challenge the order in court.

“The TikTok platform will remain accessible for creators and businesses to connect with audiences,” the spokesperson said.

TikTok has faced similar scrutiny internationally. In the United States, a bill passed in March 2024 requires TikTok to be divested from ByteDance by January 2025 unless President-elect Trump, who has shown recent support for the app, intervenes. TikTok has already been banned on U.S. federal devices since 2020, and Canada imposed a similar ban on government devices in February 2023 during the security review.