In the interests of national security, the federal government has ordered social media giant Tik Tok to wind up its Canadian business operations.
The decision comes after a review under the Investment Canada Act, and was announced Wednesday by Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.
Champagne says the decision was based on evidence collected in the review by national security and intelligence agencies. The Investment Act allows the review of foreign investments which may harm Canada’s national security.
He said the decision will not block Canadians from using the app to browse or create content.
“The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice,” he said in a statement. It is important for Canadians to adopt good cyber security practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
He said the specific national security risks are related to ByteDance Ltd’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“While Canada continues to welcome foreign investment, the government will act decisively when investments threaten our national security,” he said.
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