Canada Orders TikTok to Close Offices Over National Security Concerns

 

The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to shut down its operations within the country, directing the social media platform to close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. Despite these closures, Canadian users will still have access to the app.

The decision follows a national security review led by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne explained that TikTok’s activities posed a threat to national security, although he did not provide specific details on the findings. “We came to the conclusion that these activities… would be injurious to national security,” Champagne told CBC News, emphasizing the gravity of the government’s actions.

In response, TikTok has strongly opposed the order and vowed to challenge it in court. A spokesperson for the company criticized the decision, warning that the closures would result in significant job losses. "Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest," the spokesperson said.

This move is the latest in a series of actions taken by Canada against TikTok. The government had already imposed a ban on the app from government-issued devices in 2023, citing concerns over privacy and security. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has faced similar scrutiny in other countries, including the United States, where officials have also considered further restrictions for national security reasons.

Despite the office closures, TikTok has assured Canadian users that it will continue to provide access to the platform, allowing creators and businesses to operate as usual. However, the ongoing dispute between TikTok and Canadian authorities highlights the growing tensions between governments and the China-based tech giant.