Multiple TikTok offices were ordered to be shut down in Canada. TikTok, however, plans to fight against the country’s governmental order to crack down on the app’s security in court.
TikTok was initially known as Musical.ly, but was renamed as the app we know after the Chinese tech company, ByteDance, bought the social media platform.
Though TikTok has been one of the leading social media platforms since it went global, the app currently faces potential restrictions and bans in select countries.
As of Wednesday, November 6, two of TikTok’s corporate offices in Canada were ordered to shut down following a security review. But what does that mean for TikTokers in Canada?
Is TikTok banned in Canada?
No, TikTok is not banned in Canada. However, TikTok offices in Vancouver and Toronto were ordered by the Canadian government to close.
The offices were shut down after the Canadian government issued a security review for potential risk factors of TikTok.
“The government’s decision was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may be injurious to Canada’s national security,” Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, said.
“The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.,” said Champagne. “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.”