The Government of Canada has ordered the closure of TikTok offices in the country. The government argues that this seeks to address “specific national security risks” related to the commercial activities of ByteDance, the parent company of the social network. The authorities emphasize that the decision does not extend to the use of the application. Users will be able to download and use TikTok, as well as share content without any problems.
The resolution was made under the local Investment Law. The legislative resource facilitates the review of businesses that may be detrimental to the well-being of the country. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, has said that the mandate against TikTok is the result of a “multi-step” review carried out by various government bodies. It emphasizes that “while Canada continues to welcome direct foreign financing, the government will act decisively when these operations threaten our national security.”
TikTok responds to the Government of Canada
TikTok has regretted the ruling. “Closing TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest. We will challenge this order in court“said a spokesperson for the organization in a statement taken up by TechCrunch. The technology outlet reports that, in recent months, the company had hired “dozens” of people to fill positions in operational, engineering and production divisions. marketing.
The operation of the service will not be affected by the ruling. Champagne states that “the decision to use social media is a personal choice.” Despite this, it urges users to evaluate the possible threats related to the use of these resources. He points out that it is essential to analyze “the way in which your information is possibly protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors.” He adds that it is important to know the legislation of the countries of origin of these apps to avoid bad experiences. Nearly 15 million Canadians are TikTok users, according to calculations by the consulting firm eMarketer. The figure is equivalent to 41% of the population.
The social media of Chinese origin has been accused on multiple occasions for allegedly misusing the data of its subscribers. Critics argue that laws in China force ByteDance to share all kinds of information with the Asian country’s regime. This, they allege, raises concerns about national security and user privacy. Authorities in the European Union, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom have in the past prohibited the installation of TikTok on government devices under this approach.
Michael Geist, a cyber specialist at the University of Ottawa, indicates that the closure of TikTok’s offices in Canada may have counterproductive effects related to these concerns. “Prohibit [las operaciones administrativas de la] company instead of the app can make things worse. The risks associated with app they will remain, but the ability to hold the firm accountable will be weakened“, warns in a statement taken up by the news agency AFP. So far, there is no official document that confirms the platform’s alleged relationships with espionage, propaganda and geolocation activities.
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