Ottawa orders TikTok’s Canadian arm to be dissolved

The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says it is meant to address risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.

Champagne says the move will not block Canadians’ access to the TikTok app.

He says it is important for Canadians to adopt good cybersecurity practices, including protecting their personal information.

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne said the order came following “a multi-step national security review process.”

“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,” he said in a statement.

Ottawa says it won’t be blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok app “or their ability to create content” but cautioned Canadians “to adopt good cyber security practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms.”

“The government encourages Canadians to consult the guidance issued by Communications Security Establishment Canada’s Canadian Centre for Cyber Security to help them assess these risks,” the statement reads.

The dissolution order was made in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada’s national security.

“While Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, the government will act decisively when investments threaten our national security,” the government says.

TikTok Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

– With files from INsauga.com