TikTok is ordered by Canada to cease operations in Canada because to security concerns.

On Wednesday, the Canadian government ordered ByteDance-owned TikTok to cease operations in the country, citing national security concerns, but did not impose a ban on the popular video-sharing app.

"The decision was based on the information and evidence gathered during the review, as well as the advice of Canada's security and intelligence community and other government partners," François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, said in a statement.

The government stated that it does not intend to prohibit Canadians' access to the app or limit their capacity to publish new content, and that using a social networking program is a "personal choice." The software has been blocked on Canadian government devices since February 2023.

Having said that, it recommended Canadians to follow appropriate cyber security practices and analyze the potential hazards of utilizing social media platforms, including how their information is secured, maintained, used, and shared by foreign entities.

Furthermore, the government stated that the decision to wind up TikTok's operation was issued in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which "allows for the review of foreign investments that may be injurious to Canada's national security."

In a statement to the Associated Press, the company said the closure of its Canadian operations will result in the loss of hundreds of local employment, and it plans to contest the ruling in court.

TikTok, which is owned by China's ByteDance, has prompted fears in the United States that the service may be forced by Beijing to hand over data about TikTok's US users under domestic national security rules that oblige firms to assist with intelligence gathering.

These concerns caused the US government to enact legislation giving ByteDance until January 19, 2025 to sell TikTok or face a ban in the country. TikTok filed a lawsuit in federal court in the United States in May, trying to block the statute.

While the corporation has long stated that it does not share data with the Chinese government, it has been completely blocked in numerous countries, including Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The app is also forbidden on government-issued devices in a number of nations throughout the world.

Source: The Hacker News