Image credit: The Byteline

TikTok’s Canadian division has filed an emergency motion with Canada’s Federal Court, seeking a judicial review of a government order to cease operations in the country due to national security concerns. The filing, dated December 5, calls for the court to overturn the order or, alternatively, return it to the government for further review with guidance.

The order, issued last month, followed a government investigation into TikTok’s plans to invest and expand its operations in Canada. The review concluded with a mandate for the Chinese-owned social media platform to wind up its Canadian business, citing potential risks to national security.

In its legal challenge, TikTok argued that shutting down its Canadian operations would result in hundreds of job losses and urged the government to consider alternative solutions. “We believe it’s in the best interest of Canadians to find a meaningful solution and ensure that a local team remains in place, alongside the TikTok platform,” the company said in a statement.

Under Canadian law, the government can evaluate potential national security risks from foreign investments, including TikTok’s proposed business activities. However, the law also restricts the government from disclosing details of such reviews. The order does not currently block Canadian users’ access to TikTok, which the company says has over 14 million monthly users in the country.

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

This action in Canada mirrors similar developments in the United States, where President Joe Biden signed legislation in April requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. TikTok and ByteDance recently filed a motion with a U.S. appeals court to temporarily block that order pending a Supreme Court review.

TikTok’s legal challenge in Canada underscores the heightened scrutiny facing the platform globally as governments weigh its growing influence against concerns over data security and foreign ownership. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for TikTok’s future in Canada and beyond.

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