Canada bans TikTok business operation — but app access to continue

The Canadian government on Wednesday ordered Chinese-owned TikTok’s business to shutter its operations in the country, citing national security risks.

The order means TikTok must close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver.

In a statement, François-Philippe Champagne, the industry minister, said Canadians can still use the app. He, however, warned them to exercise caution.

Champagne said the ban addresses risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.

“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,” the statement reads in part.

“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.”

Champagne said the dissolution order was in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada’s national security.

He said the decision was based on 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.

Reacting in a blog post, TikTok said it will challenge the order in court.

“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,” it added.

Canada also banned the TikTok app from government-issued devices, arguing that it presents “an unacceptable risk to privacy and security”.

TikTok faces intensifying scrutiny from Europe and America over security and data privacy.