The Canadian government ordered TikTok to shut down its operations in the country due to national security concerns, following a national security review by authorities. The decision was made under the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may pose a threat to national security.
Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the decision was based on information gathered during the security review, noting, “We came to the conclusion that these activities that were conducted in Canada by TikTok and their offices would be injurious to national security.”
Of course, like every government that claims TikTok poses a national security threat, they did not release any specific information.
Champagne later told CBC, “I'm not at liberty to go into much detail, but I know Canadians would understand when you're saying the government of Canada is taking measures to protect national security, that's serious.”
Nah, government distrust is at an all-time high. People want answers, not “Trust me, bro.”
Uh oh! So TikTok is banned in Canada? Here's the thing though…
All the government did was ban the company from operating locally (ie: with offices). Canadians can still use the app!
Minister Champagne said, “The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice.”
TikTok offices in Toronto and Vancouver were staffed by employees who sold advertising and worked on the app.
TikTok said it intends to 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.”
Michael Geist, a professor of law at the University of Ottawa, wrote in a blog post:
“…banning the company rather than the app may actually make matters worse since the risks associated with the app will remain but the ability to hold the company accountable will be weakened.”
“…it is hard to envision it prioritizing (or perhaps even complying) with Canadian regulatory processes if it is banned from formally operating in the jurisdiction. Moreover, TikTok will likely promote that it has spent significant money on Canadian cultural policy initiatives, with a particular focus on music and indigenous creators. Much like the Meta withdrawal from news and its associated agreements, it is similarly unlikely it will continue to provide that support in light of the corporate ban.”
Or as one Reddit user commented:
“So our big answer to tik tok, is allowing them to continue to extract value and information from our citizens, while also not even getting the benefit of any offices or employment here….”
Honestly, I don't get it either.