TikTok is dealing with several issues as it goes through a national security examination in Canada and considers the potential for an American ban.
Canada Conducts National Security Review on TikTok
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne reportedly declared a national security review of TikTok’s intended domestic growth, according to AFP.
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Under the Investment Canada Act, the review began covertly in September 2023 with the goal of assessing any potential security ramifications related to TikTok’s aspirations to expand into Canada.
During a teleconference from Italy, Champagne gave this update following discussions with his G7 counterparts. He emphasised that Canadians will be fully informed about any subsequent actions taken after the review is completed.
He did not specify when the review process would be completed. Champagne did, however, bring up an earlier declaration from March 2023 that indicated there will be more scrutiny applied to foreign investments in Canada’s interactive digital media industry.
Investments that are found to be involved in activities that compromise Canada’s national security, like disseminating false information or falsifying data, may be subject to sanctions or even outright bans.
It’s critical to note that the Canadian study is not the same as the US bill that is being presented, which aims to compel the Chinese owners of TikTok to sell their US businesses or face being outlawed in the US.
TikTok Faces a Potential US Ban
TikTok has intensified its efforts to mobilise its user base against the proposed law after a bill that might result in the platform’s prohibition in the US was approved by the House of Representatives.
New in-app notifications from TikTok urge users to contact their senators and express their disapproval of the ban. This step was taken in response to an earlier request that consumers get in touch with their representatives before the House vote. Calls to Congressional offices increased significantly as a result of the initiative, primarily from younger users.
The most recent TikTok alerts are more straightforward in their language, emphasising the detrimental effects of a ban and requesting that users take action to halt it.
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In direct correspondence with users, TikTok CEO Shou Chew emphasised the platform’s commitment to upholding users’ fundamental rights. Users can feel secure knowing that TikTok is taking legal action to oppose the bill should it become law, as part of its commitment to maintaining the platform’s existence, as Chew promised.
