TikTok Won’t Be Killed By Canadian Government, After All

Photo Credit: Sebastiaan Stam

The Canadian government will let TikTok continue to operate in Canada, subject to new legal stipulations, after completing a national security review.

On Monday, the Canadian government announced that it will allow TikTok to continue operation in Canada after completing a national security review. The approval is subject to new legally binding stipulations, and will also allow an investment by the tech platform to proceed.

“The decision follows a thorough assessment of the information and evidence gathered during the review process, including advice from Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners. Protecting Canadians’ data and the safety of children online will always be a top priority of the government,” said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.

“Aligned with a similar approach taken by the European Union (EU), the government has negotiated enhanced undertakings through this further review, establishing clear guardrails that will better protect Canadians’ data and place Canada in a stronger position with respect to data security and regulatory oversight.”

To that end, TikTok Canada will implement enhanced protection for Canadians’ personal information, including new security gateways and privacy-enhancing technologies to control access to Canadian user data. It will also implement enhanced protections for minors consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s joint investigation of TikTok. Finally, to ensure transparency, an independent third-party monitor will be appointed to audit and continuously verify data access controls.

“This decision will protect Canadian jobs, ensuring that TikTok Canada maintains a physical presence in Canada, with commitments to invest in its cultural sector,” Joly added.

In November 2024, the Canadian industry ministry ordered TikTok’s business to be dissolved in the country, citing national security concerns. But in January, Canada’s federal court overturned the government order, allowing the platform to continue operating. At the time, the industry ministry said that Joly would conduct a national security review.

Also on Monday, TikTok acknowledged the government’s statement and said it had reached an agreement with Canada’s government to keep its local operations afloat.

The news comes amid other nations scrutinizing TIkTok’s operations over concerns that the Chinese government could use the app to harvest users’ data or advance its own interests. However, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is reportedly seeking to strengthen ties to China in order to offset the damage to the Canadian economy caused by U.S. import tariffs.