What’s Next for TikTok in Canada After U.S. Shutdown?
Following a temporary shutdown in the United States due to government intervention, many are questioning the future of TikTok in Canada. On Sunday, millions of U.S. users were unable to access the app, which was removed from major online stores. TikTok confirmed it was in the process of restoring service, expressing gratitude to President Trump for providing clarity and assurance to service providers.
U.S. Developments and Canadian Implications
Trump has announced plans to lift the TikTok ban for 90 days upon taking office, allowing ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, extra time to find a buyer for its U.S. operations. This follows a U.S. federal law requiring ByteDance to sever ties with TikTok by January 19 due to national security concerns. TikTok’s attempts to contest this law were unsuccessful, with the U.S. Supreme Court upholding the ban on January 17.
In Canada, the federal government ordered ByteDance to shut down its TikTok offices in Toronto and Vancouver as part of a national security review initiated in September 2023. Despite this directive, TikTok Canada confirmed that hundreds of full-time employees are still operating from its Canadian offices.
Expert Opinions on TikTok’s Future
Dr. Emily B. Laidlaw, a cybersecurity law expert, finds Canada’s initial approach puzzling, arguing that it complicates enforcement of Canadian laws against TikTok. She emphasizes that the U.S. legislation does not outright ban TikTok but threatens a ban if ByteDance fails to divest. This could set a concerning precedent for global internet policy.
While acknowledging legitimate national security risks associated with TikTok—such as extensive data collection—Laidlaw warns against Canada mimicking the U.S. approach. She advocates for more nuanced laws addressing online harms, privacy, and artificial intelligence, rather than a blunt solution like divestiture.
TikTok Canada’s Challenge
In response to the federal order, TikTok Canada is challenging the shutdown, arguing that it would jeopardize the jobs of hundreds of local employees who support a community of over 14 million monthly Canadian users. The company insists it is in the best interests of Canadians to find a meaningful solution to keep its local team intact.
To bolster its case, TikTok has committed to increasing transparency regarding its data protection efforts and plans to share more insights about its trust and safety protocols moving forward.
Cautions and Concerns
Dr. Nur Zincir-Heywood, a computer science expert, highlights the risks associated with TikTok, particularly regarding data privacy and security. She likens the app to a “balcony” that offers an enticing view but is inherently unsafe. Zincir-Heywood supports the federal government’s decision to ban TikTok from government-issued devices and believes Canada should align more closely with the U.S. stance on the platform.
As TikTok navigates this complex landscape, the implications for its future in Canada remain uncertain, hinging on both legal challenges and ongoing discussions about data security and national interests.