Technology
TikTok to challenge order to shut offices in Canada
North American country takes decision on national security concerns
Toronto (AA): Social media app TikTok has said it will challenge an order by the Canadian government to shutter its business in the country.
The North American country took the decision citing national security concerns, Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced Wednesday.
It means TikTok must close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver, but Canadians can still use the app. Champagne, however, warned them to exercise caution.
“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content,” he said in a statement.
Champagne said it was “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.”
The decision to stop TikTok from doing business in Canada was made after a rigorous security review, he said. “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.”
TikTok said it will challenge the order in court, arguing that “shutting down its Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s interest and the order will do just that.”
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had earlier warned Canadians to stop using TikTok.
“Most people can say, ‘Why is it a big deal for a teenager now to have their data (on TikTok)?’, former CSIS director David Vigneault told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. “Well in five years, in 10 years, that teenager will be a young adult, will be engaged in different activities around the world.”
Lawmakers in the US came to similar conclusions, and TikTok could face a full US shutdown in January 2025 if its owner, ByteDance, does not sell its US operations.
-
Business 7 hours ago
Gold plunges Rs5,400 per tola in Pakistan as int'l market reacts to Trump’s victory
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
Pakistani politicians congratulate Trump over winning 'second term' as US president
-
Pakistan 1 day ago
Pakistani politicians felicitate Trump on victory as US President
-
Pakistan 9 hours ago
Naqvi reaffirms commitment to Chinese security after Karachi incident
-
Business 1 day ago
Mass relief as Nepra reduces power tariff
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
New Hajj policy approved
-
Regional 1 day ago
Smog emergency: Punjab announces closure of schools till Nov 17
-
Pakistan 2 days ago
Court grants Bushra Bibi exemption from appearance in Toshakhana 2