Canada has taken a significant step by banning TikTok from operating within the country, citing national security concerns. However, Canadians are still free to use the popular app as they please. The decision to shut down TikTok’s Canadian offices in Toronto and Vancouver follows a national security review conducted with input from Canada’s security and intelligence community.

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne emphasized that while the specifics of the decision couldn’t be disclosed, the government’s priority is safeguarding Canada’s national security. “Canadians would understand when you’re saying the government of Canada is taking measures to protect national security, that’s serious,” he told CBC News.

So, why the sudden concern? The main issue is the app’s Chinese ownership, which has raised worries about user data potentially being accessed by the Chinese government. It’s something that has sparked a lot of debates—not just here, but around the world.

Although Canadians can still enjoy TikTok, the government is asking everyone to stay aware of the risks, especially when it comes to data privacy. The decision came under the Investment Canada Act, which gives the government the power to review foreign investments that could harm national security. TikTok has always maintained that its data is stored outside of China and complies with Canadian privacy laws. But with growing concerns, the government felt the need to act.

TikTok has said it plans to challenge the decision in court, arguing that shutting down their Canadian offices would hurt local jobs. But for now, Canadians can still use TikTok if they choose to, though with a bit more caution in mind.

This move is part of a larger conversation about data privacy and the influence of foreign-owned platforms.

[Via CBC News]