Ottawa reverses TikTok shutdown order, allows platform to remain in Canada under new conditions

The federal government has reversed a previous order that would have forced the social media platform TikTok to cease operations and maintain no physical presence in Canada, saying the company can continue operating under new security conditions.

Ottawa had issued the shutdown order in 2024 over national security concerns tied to TikTok’s China-based parent company, ByteDance Ltd. According to federal officials, those concerns stem from Chinese national security laws that can compel companies in China to assist with intelligence gathering.

The government recently asked the Federal Court to set aside the order to allow another review. The decision followed negotiations with the company that resulted in additional safeguards related to data security and protections for minors.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said the company will now be required to introduce stronger protections for children and tighten safeguards around Canadians’ personal information as part of the conditions allowing it to remain in the country.

The agreement to pause the shutdown order comes shortly after Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China, where Canada secured a deal with Beijing to lower agricultural tariffs in exchange for expanded market access for Chinese electric vehicles, according to government statements.

Ottawa’s earlier order targeted TikTok’s corporate operations in Canada and did not prevent Canadians from downloading or using the app.