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Citing national security concerns, Canada has ordered the dissolution of Chinese-owned TikTok’s business operations in the country, according to a statement from Canada’s Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne. 

However, the government clarified that Canadians’ access to TikTok remains unaffected, meaning they can still use the app and create content.

"The government is taking action to address specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd's operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc," Champagne said in the statement. 

According to the statement, Ottawa began examining ByteDance’s plans to expand TikTok in Canada last year under national security review laws. These regulations empower the government to scrutinize foreign investments for security risks, though details of these investigations remain confidential.

The decision, Champagne explained, was based on “information and evidence” gathered during the review in consultation with Canada’s security and intelligence agencies.

TikTok responded swiftly, announcing its intention to challenge the order in court. "Shutting down TikTok's Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone's best interest, and today's shutdown order will do just that," a TikTok spokesperson stated.

Canada had previously restricted the TikTok app on government devices, citing privacy and security risks as unacceptable. In the US., similar concerns over ByteDance’s ownership have led to legal action. 

TikTok and ByteDance filed a lawsuit in May, challenging a US law signed by President Joe Biden in April that mandates ByteDance divest from TikTok by January 2025 or face a ban. The White House maintains that ending Chinese ownership aligns with national security priorities but does not advocate for a full ban of the app.