Canada bans TikTok on government devices

The move comes days after a similar ban by the European Commission, amid concerns over data collection by the Chinese-owned app

Canadian privacy regulators are also investigating TikTok over concerns about the platform’s use and disclosure of personal information

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The decision was made by Canada’s chief information officer after an internal review showed that TikTok’s data collection methods may leave users vulnerable to cyber attacks. Photo illustration: AFP

Published: 1:25am, 28 Feb 2023Updated: 5:36am, 28 Feb 2023

Canada on Monday blocked the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from government-issued devices, saying it presents an “unacceptable” level of risk to privacy and security.

Canada also moved to block federal employees from downloading the application in the future, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat said in a statement. TikTok’s data collection methods provide considerable access to the contents of the phone, the statement added.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters that his government was looking carefully at how to ensure Canadians’ online safety.

“This may be a first step, it may be the only step we need to take,” he said referring to the action against TikTok.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers questions at an event in Mississauga, Ontario, on Monday. Photo: Canadian Press via AP

As government bans TikTok on work phones, “many Canadians, businesses and private individuals will reflect on the security of their own data and perhaps make choices in consequence”, he said.