Trudeau government bans TikTok from operating in Canada — but Canadians can still use it

The Canadian government has mandated that TikTok close its Canadian offices in Toronto and Vancouver due to national security concerns, though the app will remain accessible for Canadian users. Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed that the decision followed a national security review and was informed by advice from Canada’s security and intelligence agencies. He stated, "We came to the conclusion that these activities... would be injurious to national security." While specific details were not disclosed, Champagne emphasized the seriousness of the measures taken to protect national security.

The government clarified that it is not restricting Canadians' use of TikTok, noting that "the decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice." Champagne advised Canadians to approach TikTok "with eyes wide open," pointing to concerns raised by critics about the potential for user data to be accessed by the Chinese government.

This move aligns with the Investment Canada Act, which allows reviews of foreign investments that could affect Canada’s security. In response, a TikTok spokesperson announced the company’s intention to challenge the order in court, arguing that shutting down Canadian offices will result in job losses and that the order is "not in anyone's best interest."

In addition, U.S. lawmakers have voiced concerns about ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, suggesting that it could be compelled to share data with the Chinese government under Chinese security laws. TikTok has maintained that its data servers are outside China’s jurisdiction and comply with Canadian privacy laws.

Canada’s own intelligence service, CSIS, has advised Canadians, including teenagers, to be cautious about using TikTok. Former CSIS director David Vigneault previously warned that the app's data collection practices could expose Canadian users' information to the Chinese government. In February 2023, the Canadian government banned TikTok from all government devices and subsequently conducted a thorough national security review of the app. Champagne stated that this review involved rigorous examination by national security agencies.