TikTok Clears Final Hurdle, Will Remain in Canada Under New Security Pact

TikTok will continue operating in Canada, concluding a protracted national security review that once threatened its expulsion. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly announced the resolution, which mandates stringent new data security measures and independent oversight for the platform.

The decision marks a significant reversal from 2024, when the Canadian government, under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ordered TikTok to shut down its local operations citing unspecified risks linked to its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. That order was suspended following the 2025 transition to Prime Minister Mark Carney's government.

Under the new framework, TikTok must deploy advanced privacy technologies to better shield Canadian users' data from unauthorized access. The company is also required to bolster protections for younger users and submit to ongoing, independent audits of its data controls. These audits will be conducted by a third party to verify compliance.

Minister Joly emphasized the economic and cultural benefits of the agreement. "This protects Canadian jobs and ensures TikTok maintains a physical presence here," she stated. The company has committed to investing in Canada's cultural sector, supporting creators and artists, and increasing the production of cultural content in official and Indigenous languages.

The settlement ends a period of uncertainty for the popular app's future in one of its key markets, aligning its operations with heightened Canadian security expectations.

Source: Engadget