On Monday, Canada announced a ban on TikTok, the social media app owned by Chinese company ByteDance, from all government-issued devices, citing serious concerns regarding privacy and security. This decision adds to the ongoing tensions between Canada and China.
The ban reflects a growing movement against TikTok, driven by fears related to the app’s ties to Beijing and its potential access to global user data.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the media, emphasizing that his government is taking steps to safeguard Canadians’ online safety.
“This could be the first step or possibly the only action needed,” he remarked in reference to the TikTok ban.
Trudeau noted that with the government’s prohibition on work phones, many Canadians, along with businesses and individuals, might reconsider how they protect their own data.
The ban will take effect on Tuesday, preventing federal employees from downloading the app in the future, as detailed in a statement from the Treasury Board, which manages public administration matters in Canada.
Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, highlighted the extensive data collection practices of TikTok, which allow significant access to information on users’ devices.
“While the risks associated with this application are evident, we currently have no proof that any government information has been compromised,” she added.
Initially, TikTok expressed disappointment over the ban but later pointed out the timing of Canada’s decision, which followed similar actions by the European Union and the United States.
A spokesperson for TikTok stated via email that the ban was implemented “without any specific security concerns cited or consultation with us.”
The European Commission recently enforced a similar prohibition, and in December, the US Senate passed legislation restricting federal employees from using TikTok on government devices. India previously banned the app in 2020.
Tense diplomatic ties
This ban adds a further complication to the already strained relations between Canada and China, which have been fraught with issues including allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections and reports of China’s surveillance activities in air and maritime domains.
China has denied these accusations and has urged Canada to halt what it describes as baseless speculation and defamation.
Canada has previously taken measures to exclude Chinese companies from its critical minerals and telecommunications sectors, citing national security concerns. In November, Ottawa mandated that three Chinese firms divest their stakes in Canadian critical minerals and banned the deployment of 5G technology from Huawei and ZTE.
In addition, last week, Canadian federal and provincial privacy regulators launched a joint investigation into TikTok regarding its handling of personal information.
The Treasury Board underscored that the decision to use any social media platform is ultimately a personal choice.
“The guidance from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security strongly recommends that individuals understand the risks and make informed decisions regarding the tools they choose to use,” the statement said.
© Thomson Reuters 2023
