TikTok says it will challenge Canada’s national security ban on the app in court, but users shouldn’t be concerned just yet.
The Canadian government declared on Wednesday that TikTok’s operations in the country will be banned following a thorough national security evaluation under the Investment Canada Act. However, TikTok has stated that it will dispute the ruling 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,” according to a company statement. “We intend to challenge this order in court. The TikTok platform will continue to be available for creators to connect with their audiences, explore new passions, and grow their companies.
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Many Canadian users of the short-form video app were concerned that they might be prevented from utilizing the platform, but there is presently no reason to panic. The prohibition mostly affects TikTok employees in Toronto and Vancouver, although it does not delete or block the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store in Canada.
According to TikTok’s Canadian newsroom, hundreds of staff work at the company’s Toronto and Vancouver locations. “The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc.,” said Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry François-Philippe Champagne.
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“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.”
Furthermore, Champagne stated that this will not impair the ordinary TikTok user’s access to the program. However, the government does not advocate using the platform at all.
“The decision to use a social media program or platform is a personal one. “It is critical for Canadians to adopt good cyber security practices and assess the potential risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used, and shared by foreign actors, as well as being aware of which country’s laws apply,” said Champagne.
Notably, TikTok does not offer a creator fund in Canada, therefore many influencers have resorted to utilizing US-based accounts to earn money on the platform. As a result, the government’s decision may have an impact on future prospects for creators to earn money on TikTok.
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