• Canadian government approves TikTok to continue operating after security review

The Canadian government has announced that it will allow TikTok to continue operating in Canada and proceed with its investments following a comprehensive national security review.

Industry Minister Melanie Joly said the approval is conditional on new legally binding commitments provided by TikTok Canada. The government added that the decision also aims to protect Canadian jobs and ensure TikTok maintains a physical presence in the country, with ongoing investment in the cultural sector.

In November 2024, Canada’s Industry Ministry had ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s operations in the country over national security concerns. However, the federal court overturned that decision in January, allowing the app to continue operating and directing the government to review the case.

TikTok confirmed its commitments, noting it had reached an agreement with the Canadian government to maintain its local operations. Measures include enhanced protections for Canadians’ personal data, such as new security gateways and privacy technologies to control access to user information and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

The platform will also strengthen protections for minors, appointing an independent monitor to continuously audit data access controls.

The decision comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks closer ties with China to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian economy. TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been under scrutiny in Canada and other countries over concerns China could access user data or advance its interests.

Last September, TikTok agreed to improve its measures to prevent children from accessing its Canadian site and app after investigations found its efforts to protect minors and their personal information were inadequate.