The TikTok logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen which displays the TikTok home screen, March 18, 2023, in Boston.. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Michael Dwyer
OTTAWA - Canada's Minister of Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, reassures Canadians about using TikTok amid an ongoing national security review. He emphasizes that there's no need for concern, even for parents whose children are avid users of the app. The minister states that the government initiated the review six months ago, indicating proactive measures.
Champagne addresses questions regarding the secrecy surrounding the review despite the reassurance given to users. He clarifies that concerns were focused on actions related to the company rather than individual users. Any outcomes of the review would be aimed at TikTok as a company, not its users.
The federal government ordered the national security review of TikTok in September 2023 but only disclosed it publicly this week. This revelation follows the passing of a bill by the U.S. House of Representatives, which aims to ban TikTok unless its Chinese owner, ByteDance Ltd., divests its stake in the company. The concern driving the U.S. bill is the possibility of the Chinese government accessing data from TikTok's American consumers due to Chinese national security laws.
Champagne emphasizes that the Canadian review is separate from the U.S. bill. He explains that the government's recent policy statement on foreign investment in the Canadian digital media sector underscores the need for scrutiny in this area. This policy highlights the potential risks posed by foreign investments, particularly from state-sponsored or influenced actors, to Canada's national security.
The review was triggered under the Investment Canada Act by a business expansion related to TikTok. Although specifics haven't been disclosed, government records show a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. This notification outlines activities related to marketing, advertising, and content/creator development in Canada.
The Investment Canada Act empowers the government to initiate reviews when foreign investments raise concerns about national security. Possible measures resulting from such reviews include divestment of shares or operational conditions imposed on the investor.
In February 2023, the federal government prohibited TikTok's use on its mobile devices following an investigation by federal and provincial privacy commissioners. Champagne clarifies that details of the review cannot be disclosed under the Investment Canada Act. He assures that once the review concludes, any actions taken will be communicated to Canadians.
A spokesperson for TikTok reaffirms the company's commitment to cooperating with the government's review. They emphasize TikTok's dedication to ensuring the safety and security of its platform for millions of Canadian users, creators, artists, and small businesses.
