Canada Orders TikTok to Close Offices, Citing National Security Concerns

The Canadian government has ordered TikTok to cease its operations within the country, directing the closure of its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. Despite this, Canadian users will still be able to access the app itself.

The decision follows a national security review led by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that TikTok’s activities posed potential threats to national security, though he did not provide specific details. “We concluded that these activities… would be injurious to national security,” Champagne told CBC News, highlighting the government’s firm stance. TikTok, however, has strongly opposed the order and plans to challenge it in court. A company spokesperson argued that closing TikTok’s offices would result in substantial job losses, stating, “Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest.”

This decision follows earlier measures taken by Canada, including a 2023 ban of TikTok on government-issued devices due to security and privacy concerns. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has also faced scrutiny in the U.S., where similar restrictions have been considered.

TikTok has affirmed its commitment to serving Canadian users, allowing creators and businesses to continue using the platform. However, the move underscores the ongoing tension between governments and the app’s China-based parent company, ByteDance, as national security concerns persist.