Canada will allow TikTok to continue operating in the country and proceed with a planned investment after completing a national security review, the government said Monday, reports Reuters.
The approval comes with new legally binding commitments from TikTok Canada aimed at addressing security and data privacy concerns.
Industry Minister Melanie Joly said the decision includes safeguards designed to protect Canadian users while preserving economic benefits.
“Further, this decision will protect Canadian jobs, ensuring that TikTok Canada maintains a physical presence in Canada, with commitments to invest in its cultural sector,” the government said in a statement.
The move reverses an earlier order issued in November 2024, when Canada’s industry ministry directed TikTok’s Canadian business to dissolve, citing national security risks.
However, a federal court overturned that order in January, allowing the short-video platform to continue operating and instructing the government to review the case. The industry ministry subsequently launched a national security assessment led by Joly.
TikTok confirmed Monday that it had reached an agreement with the Canadian government that will allow the platform to maintain its operations in the country.
Under the new arrangement, TikTok will introduce stronger safeguards to protect Canadians’ personal information. These measures include new security gateways and privacy-enhancing technologies designed to control access to Canadian user data and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
The government said TikTok will also introduce additional protections for minors using the platform.
An independent third-party monitor will be appointed to audit and continuously verify the company’s data access controls.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has been seeking closer economic ties with China to offset the impact of U.S. import tariffs on the Canadian economy.
Canada, along with several other countries, has closely scrutinised TikTok amid concerns that the platform could allow China to access user data or promote its strategic interests. TikTok is owned by Chinese technology company ByteDance.
Last September, TikTok agreed to strengthen its safeguards aimed at preventing children from using its Canadian website and app after an investigation found its measures to block underage users and protect personal data were inadequate.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
