TikTok Faces National Security Review in Canada Amid Brewing Threat of US Ban

Jace Dela Cruz, Tech Times 16 March 2024, 07:03 am

TikTok finds itself navigating multiple challenges as it undergoes a national security review in Canada while also facing the looming prospect of a ban in the United States.

Canada Conducts National Security Review on TikTok

According to AFP, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne announced the national security review concerning TikTok's proposed expansion within the country.

The review, which commenced discreetly in September 2023 under the Investment Canada Act, aims to assess the potential security implications associated with TikTok's plans for growth in Canada.

US-CHINA-INTERNET-POLITICS-TIKTOK-TRUMP — In this photo illustration, the social media application logo, TikTok is displayed on the screen of an iPhone on an American flag background on August 3, 2020 in Arlington, Virginia. - President Donald Trump said Monday that Chinese-owned hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok will be "out of business" in the United States if not sold to a US firm by September 15, 2020."I set a date of around September 15, at which point it's going to be out of business in the United States," he told reporters.
(Photo : OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)

Champagne revealed this development during a teleconference from Italy following discussions with his G7 counterparts. He emphasized that once the review concludes, Canadians will be duly informed about any subsequent actions taken.

He refrained from providing a specific timeline for completing the review process. However, Champagne cited a previous announcement in March 2023, indicating that foreign investments in Canada's interactive digital media sector would undergo heightened scrutiny.

Investments deemed to be engaging in activities detrimental to Canada's national security, such as disseminating disinformation or manipulating information, could face corrective measures or even a ban.

It's essential to note that the Canadian review is distinct from a proposed US bill aimed at compelling TikTok's Chinese owners to divest their US operations or face a ban in the United States.

TikTok Faces a Potential US Ban

In response to the passage of a bill in the US House of Representatives that could potentially ban TikTok in the country, the platform has intensified its efforts to mobilize its user base against the proposed legislation.

TikTok has implemented new in-app messages urging users to contact their senators and express opposition to the ban. This latest initiative follows a previous call to action directed at users to contact their representatives before the House vote, which resulted in a surge of calls to Congressional offices, primarily from young users.

The latest alerts from TikTok are more explicit in their messaging, emphasizing the adverse consequences of a ban and encouraging users to take action to prevent it.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew has also directly addressed users, emphasizing the platform's commitment to defending their constitutional rights. Chew reassured users of TikTok's determination to safeguard the platform's existence, including exploring legal avenues to challenge the bill if enacted.