Still concerned about possible interference from Beijing, Ottawa continues its measures against Chinese requests. Nearly two years after banning WeChat and TikTok from members of its government and officials, Canada ordered the liquidation of ByteDance’s local subsidiary on Wednesday. The procedure is justified by “specific risks to national security”. Access to TikTok, however, is not prohibited for citizens of the country.
Canadian suspicions about Chinese meddling emerged publicly during the election of 2019but the first measures taken by the Trudeau government mainly date back to February 2023. That month Ottawa banned TikTok from its civil servants. At the end of October of the same year, WeChat and Kaspersky applications were also banned, due to the “clear risks” of such applications.
“Specific national security risks”
TikTok’s ban followed federal and provincial privacy commissioners launching an investigation into the company. The findings indicated an “unacceptable level of privacy and security risk.” The decision was also justified by the need for “the Canadian government’s networks and data to remain safe and protected.” Meanwhile, Canadian intelligence investigations have confirmed actual Chinese interference, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he temperedbelieving that China posed no threat and that its activities in Canada “were simply normal diplomatic activities.”
Beijing had also “firmly” denounced the interference allegations in March 2023, describing them as “defamatory”, despite Ottawa’s announcements about online propaganda campaigns targeting elected officials and members of government.
These are the same risks cited by Canada to justify a new measure: the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian branch on Wednesday 6 November. Ottawa cited “specific national security risks” posed “by ByteDance Ltd.’s (headquarters, ed.) activities in Canada.” This means TikTok must close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver.
This settlement follows an audit initiated in September 2023 and does not result in a ban or blocking of Canadian users’ access to the application. “This decision was made based on the information and evidence gathered during the review, as well as advice provided by Canadian national security and intelligence agencies and other government partners,” explained Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne , in a press release.
He also clarified that the government “will not prohibit the Canadian population from accessing the TikTok application, nor prevent them from creating content.” However, he warned about the use of personal data “by foreign actors”.
TikTok targeted by several countries
The Chinese company has already expressed its intention to challenge the decision in court. The request is in the sights of several authorities, both American and European. Washington accuses TikTok of allowing the Chinese government, through short videos, to spy on and manipulate American citizens. Last April, the American Congress passed a law which involves the sale of the application by its Chinese owners, under penalty of ban in the United States.
In Europe the application has been fined several times for mishandling user data, especially user data minors. Recent internal documents revealed that TikTok was fully aware of the devastating effects of its algorithm on the mental health of young people. However, the company preferred to reduce preventive measures to a minimum, fearing a drop in ratings.
In France, seven families united as a collective decided to take Tiktok to court last week. They accuse the social network of exposing their children to dangerous content and damaging their mental health. The Chinese company could be ordered to compensate the families of the victims, for damages or compensation.
Time.news Interview: National Security and TikTok in Canada
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into an important topic that has implications not just for Canada, but for international relations and digital security. I’m joined by Dr. Laura Mitchell, an expert in cybersecurity and Chinese foreign policy. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mitchell.
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you for having me!
Editor: Let’s start with the recent news that Canada has ordered the liquidation of ByteDance’s local subsidiary. This follows a series of bans on apps like TikTok and WeChat for government officials. Can you give us your take on why the Canadian government feels compelled to take such measures?
Dr. Mitchell: Absolutely. The Canadian government’s actions stem from deep concerns surrounding national security and foreign interference. The investigations into TikTok revealed “unacceptable levels of privacy and security risk,” which are particularly alarming when one considers the ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government. By dissolving the local subsidiary, Canada is trying to mitigate any potential threats to its governmental networks and sensitive data.
Editor: It’s fascinating how national security matters are at play here. The audit initiated in September 2023 seems to have prompted these responses. What kind of evidence do you believe they discovered?
Dr. Mitchell: The specifics of the evidence are often classified, but it likely included insights from intelligence agencies indicating that TikTok could be used as a vector for espionage or influence operations. Given that data privacy breaches can lead to manipulation or extraction of sensitive information, the Canadian authorities are taking a precautionary approach to safeguard their assets.
Editor: Speaking of data, the Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne mentioned that while TikTok is not banned for the general population, users should be wary of “foreign actors” using their personal data. What should Canadian citizens be aware of when using apps like TikTok?
Dr. Mitchell: Users must be conscious of how their data is collected and utilized. Many apps, including TikTok, gather extensive personal information for targeted advertising and user engagement. Canadians should educate themselves about privacy settings and consider the implications of sharing personal content on platforms that may not prioritize user privacy. It’s essential for individuals to take proactive steps in protecting their digital footprints.
Editor: Given the rising tension between countries regarding technology and data privacy, how do you see this situation evolving? Will more countries follow Canada’s lead?
Dr. Mitchell: I believe there’s a significant opportunity for other countries to reassess their relationships with foreign tech companies, particularly those with links to nations perceived as adversaries. We’ve already seen actions in the U.S. and the EU against similar apps. The concept of “digital sovereignty” is gaining traction, and many governments may look to assert more control over tech that could pose risks to their national security.
Editor: TikTok has indicated plans to challenge Canada’s decision in court. What could that process look like, and what implications might it have?
Dr. Mitchell: The legal process could become quite complex. If TikTok files a lawsuit, it will likely challenge the legitimacy of the national security claims Canada has made. This could set a precedent for legal definitions of national security in digital contexts. Depending on the outcome, it could either reinforce Canada’s stance or encourage further scrutiny on how governments legislate tech in the future.
Editor: That sounds like a critical moment for both Canada and the tech industry as a whole. In terms of diplomatic relations, how do you think this affects Canada-China relations going forward?
Dr. Mitchell: Tensions between Canada and China are already strained, and such measures will undoubtedly exacerbate those tensions. Beijing has already accused Ottawa of defamation regarding these allegations. Increased scrutiny of Chinese companies will likely lead to retaliatory measures from China and complicate diplomatic engagements moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitchell, for sharing your insights on this evolving situation. It’s fascinating and concerning to see how digital platforms play such a critical role in national security discussions today.
Dr. Mitchell: Thank you for having me! It’s essential that we continue these discussions as the landscape of cybersecurity and international relations evolves.
Editor: Indeed! And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed and be mindful of your digital presence. We’ll catch up with more on this evolving story soon.