Canada has ordered the dissolution of Chinese-owned TikTok’s business operations in the country, citing national security risks.
However, the government clarified that it is not blocking Canadians’ access to the app or their ability to create content.
According to Reuters, Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne stated, “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.”
The decision follows a review that began last year of TikTok’s plans to invest and expand in Canada.
Under Canadian law, the government can assess potential national security risks from foreign investments, but it cannot disclose the details of these assessments.
“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,” Champagne added.
However, TikTok has announced plans to challenge the order in court.
A spokesperson for the company stated, “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.”
Canada has already banned the TikTok app from government-issued devices, citing privacy and security risks.
In the United States, TikTok and its parent company ByteDance are also facing legal challenges. They sued in federal court in May to block a law signed by President Joe Biden, which gives ByteDance until January 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban.
The White House has expressed a desire to end Chinese-based ownership of TikTok on national security grounds but does not support a complete ban on the app.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
