The Canadian government is currently conducting a nationwide security evaluation of the planned expansion by Chinese-owned TikTok, a popular video application in the country. François-Philippe Champagne, the industry minister, made this announcement on Friday.
After conferring through a teleconference in Italy with his fellow G7 members, Champagne announced that a review of the Investment Canada Act had quietly begun in September of the previous year.
He informed reporters that a review of TikTok’s national security has been initiated.
“After finishing that task,” he stated, “we will notify Canadians of any measures we choose to implement regarding that specific subject.”
The minister mentioned that they will provide more information once the review is finished, without specifying a timeline.
In March of 2023, Champagne reported that there would be heightened scrutiny for foreign investments in Canada’s interactive digital media industry.
Individuals who are found to spread false information or distort it in ways that pose a threat to Canada’s national security may be subject to remedial actions or potentially even a prohibition, as stated in the policy.
The evaluation of Canada is not connected to a potential US legislation that would require its Chinese proprietors to divest or face prohibition within the US.
This legislation is partially driven by worries about Chinese national security laws that require organizations to aid in gathering intelligence.
TikTok is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chinese technology firm ByteDance Ltd.
“The ongoing debate in the United States has caught our attention,” stated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday in response to the passing of the bill by the US House of Representatives. This bill still awaits confirmation from the Senate.
In February 2023, the use of TikTok on federal government mobile devices was prohibited by Ottawa.
Source: theguardian.com
