Canada reviewing TikTok’s expansion plan for national security risks
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Canada in 2023 banned China-owned TikTok from government-issued devices, saying it presents an “unacceptable” level of risk to privacy and security.
PHOTO: AFP
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OTTAWA - Canada in September ordered a national security review of a proposal by TikTok to expand the short-video app’s business in the country, said the industry ministry on March 14.
The potential outcome of the review, which could range from Canada asking TikTok to take mitigation measures to even blocking the expansion, could add to the company’s growing woes.
On March 13, the United States House of Representatives passed a Bill
The measure is the latest in a series of moves in Washington to respond to US national security concerns about China, from connected vehicles to advanced artificial intelligence chips, to cranes at US ports.
The Canadian review is focused only on TikTok’s investment plan, according to a statement from the industry ministry, meaning it is unlikely to result in an outright ban like the one proposed in the US.
“Our government is closely following developments related to the Bill being proposed by US lawmakers,” a government spokesperson said. The spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of Canada’s reviews but added that it was not related to the US Bill.
Under Canadian law, the government can assess potential risks to national security from foreign investments such as the TikTok proposal. The law prevents the government from revealing the details of such investments.
Canada in 2023 banned TikTok from government-issued devices,
A TikTok spokesman said in a statement that the company was cooperating with the national security review.
We “remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the platform for the millions of Canadian creators, artists and small businesses who rely on TikTok to earn a living, find community and create jobs”, the spokesman said. REUTERS
