Canada orders TikTok shutdown, citing national security threats

The government of Canada has ordered TikTok to dissolve its operations in the country.

Canada said it was reacting to "specific national security risks" associated with the TikTok owner, ByteDance.

"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," François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said.

Champagne emphasized that Canadians wouldn't lose their access to the platform and would still be able to create content, as using social media was "a personal choice."

At the same time, the Canadian government urged users to assess possible risks and adopt good cybersecurity practices.

"While Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, the government will act decisively when investments threaten our national security," Champagne said.

Unsurprisingly, TikTok said it was going to challenge the decision in court.

"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," TikTok said in a statement.