Canada bans TikTok from official government devices

The Canadian government is banning TikTok from official electronic devices, making it the latest to announce restrictions on the short-form video app in light of cybersecurity concerns. According to a statement by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the ban takes effect on Tuesday and government-issued devices will be blocked from downloading TikTok while existing installations of the app will be removed. The statement states that “following a review of TikTok, the Chief Information Officer of Canada determined that it presents an unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security.” Treasury Board President Mona Fortier said the decision is consistent with those of their “international partner.” The US federal government, along with more than half of US states and the European Commission, have all announced similar TikTok bans on official work devices. In a statement responding to the ban, TikTok said it was “curious” that Canada announced the move “only after similar bans” in the EU and US, and without contacting them about the concerns. A spokesperson said they “are always available to meet with our government officials to discuss how we protect the privacy and security of Canadians, but singling out TikTok in this way does nothing to achieve that shared goal.” “All it does is prevent officials from reaching the public on a platform loved by millions of Canadians.”

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