Tech Desk 
Nov 08, 2024
Following in the footsteps of the US, Canada has reportedly ordered TikTok to shut down its operations in the country owing to national security risks.
The decision to get one of the most used social media platforms banned was made after a thorough examination was carried out by the Canadian intelligence agencies.
TikTok ban in Canada
Although the Canadian government has not resorted to directly banning the app, ProPakistani reported that TikTok will be forced to cease its operations in the country.
The indirect ban is reminiscent of the Canadian government prohibiting devices owned by government officials to have TikTok installed, a restriction which came over the heels of the US passing a similar law, citing national security concerns linked to TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance.
TikTok is said to be fighting the US ban legally.
"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," said Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne in a statement.
TikTok ban in Canada legally challenged in court
Similar to how it resisted the US ban, TikTok is also legally challenging the ban in the courts in Canada.
A TikTok spokesperson said: "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. We will challenge this order in court. The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive."
While Canada is not forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok to a Canadian company with the threat of a ban, only time will tell how the popular social media app will hold up against its operations stopped in the country.
