Ottawa, Canada – In September 2023, the federal Liberals initiated a national security review of the popular video app TikTok. However, this review was not publicly disclosed.
A spokesperson for Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne stated, “This is an ongoing case, and we cannot provide further comments due to the confidentiality provisions of the Investment Canada Act.”
The Canadian government has consistently taken action when a case under review poses a threat to Canada’s national security.
Regarding a potential measure similar to the U.S. bill, Champagne’s office clarified that the Liberal cabinet issued an order for the national security review of TikTok Canada on September 6. The review was prompted by the expansion of a business, signifying the establishment of a new Canadian entity. However, specific details about this expansion remain undisclosed.
The cabinet order, as per routine, is not accessible online due to its protected and confidential status under the Investment Canada Act. TikTok will now be subject to enhanced scrutiny under the act, following a new policy on foreign investments in the interactive digital media sector released by the government earlier this month.
The policy highlights that hostile state-sponsored or influenced actors may exploit foreign investments in the interactive digital media sector to spread disinformation or manipulate information, posing a risk to Canada’s national security.
It’s important to note that the Canadian review is distinct from the proposed U.S. bill, which primarily concerns the company’s current ownership structure as a potential national security threat.
TikTok, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chin…
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