Canada Orders Dissolution of TikTok’s Business Citing National-Security Risks
Government Takes Action to Address Specific National Security Risks
On Wednesday, Canada ordered the dissolution of Chinese-owned TikTok’s business in the country, citing national-security risks. However, the government emphasized that it is not blocking Canadians’ access to the short-video app or their ability to create content.
Innovation Minister’s Statement
"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," said Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne in a statement. "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."
Review of TikTok’s Plan
Ottawa began reviewing TikTok’s plan to invest and expand its business in Canada last year. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, is subject to scrutiny under Canadian law, which allows the government to assess potential risks to national security from foreign investments.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok has announced that 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," said a TikTok spokesperson in a statement.
Government’s Position on TikTok App
Canada has banned the TikTok app from government-issued devices, citing an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security. This move follows a similar ban by the US government, which has also raised concerns about the app’s potential risks.
Lawsuit Against the US Government
TikTok and ByteDance sued the US government in May, seeking to block a law signed by President Joe Biden. The law, signed on April 24, gives ByteDance until January 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban. The White House has stated that it wants to see Chinese-based ownership ended on national-security grounds but not a ban on TikTok.
FAQs
- What is the reason behind Canada’s decision to dissolve TikTok’s business?
- The government has cited national-security risks as the reason for the decision.
- Will Canadians still be able to access TikTok?
- Yes, the government is not blocking access to the app or preventing users from creating content.
- What is the government’s stance on the TikTok app?
- Canada has banned the app from government-issued devices due to concerns about privacy and security.
- What is the current status of the lawsuit against the US government?
- TikTok and ByteDance are seeking to block the law signed by President Joe Biden, which gives them until January 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban.