Canada Wants to Ban Use of TikTok to Protect Its Citizens

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) issued an appeal to citizens to stop using the social media application TikTok for the sake of his country's security on May 17, 2024.

The reason is, this application from China has the potential to be a spy for Canada.

Reporting from CBC, CSIS Director David Vigneault said it was clear that China was using the trending application to spy on other countries.

"My answer as director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service is that there is a very clear strategy by the Chinese government to be able to obtain personal information from anyone around the world," CSIS Director David Vigneault told the CBC in an interview to be broadcast later in the day. Saturday, May 18, 2024.

He also often reminds us to stop using the application because it will threaten the security and privacy of its users. Additionally, Vigneault said the main goal of the app is to protect the interests of the Chinese Communist Party. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke out about the incident. He said he would still look at the social media application in relation to United States law which would prohibit the use of the application. After that, Canada will decide whether or not to ban the application in its country.

“Before taking drastic action, let's look at [TikTok's] response,” said Canadian PM Trudeau. 

United States President Joe Biden is currently signing a bipartisan law that requires ByeteDance, which is the parent company of the TikTok application, to sell its application to other companies. Otherwise, the company will be prohibited from circulating in the United States.

Responding to the Canadian government's position, a TikTok spokesperson considered that the allegations made by CSIS Canada did not have sufficient evidence to say this. It also said it never shared users' personal data with the Chinese government. 

"It's not supported by evidence, and the fact is that TikTok has never shared Canadian user data with the Chinese government, nor would we if asked." The Chinese government has indicated it will not allow the forced sale of the app. 

The TikTok spokesperson then said that he would continue to maintain good relations with the Canadian government and meet with CSIS to discuss the security and privacy of citizens who use the application. 

“We will continue to engage with Canadian officials and would welcome the opportunity to meet with CSIS to discuss how we protect the privacy and security of Canadians,” the spokesperson added. 

Even though there was a response from a TikTok spokesperson who defended himself, Trudeau as Prime Minister said Canadians should follow directions from CSIS as the country's data security agency. “Showing that TikTok poses a real threat to the security of Canadians' data, I think Canadians need to listen.” he said.

REUTERS | MORNINGSTAR

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