TikTok Challenges Canadian Shutdown Order

TikTok has initiated a legal challenge against a Canadian government order mandating the shutdown of its operations in the country, citing national security concerns. The company filed an application for judicial review in Vancouver on December 5, arguing that the order, issued by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, is 'unreasonable' and lacks a rational connection to the alleged security risks. TikTok claims that the shutdown will lead to significant job losses and termination of contracts worth approximately $250,000, while the government maintains that the decision is necessary to protect national security. Although the app remains available to Canadian users, the forced dissolution of TikTok Technology Canada Inc. would have serious economic implications. The Canadian government’s actions follow similar scrutiny faced by TikTok in the U.S. and other countries over data security concerns linked to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. TikTok argues that the government should have explored less severe alternatives to shutdown.