The Canadian government has banned TikTok on its mobile devices

The Canadian government announced on Monday that it would ban the TikTok app from mobile devices issued to its employees as of Tuesday, citing an “unacceptable level of risk” to privacy and security.

“On a mobile device, Methods of data collection “TikTok provides substantial access to the content of the phone,” explained Mona Fortier, head of the Treasury Department, noting in a press release that the move was taken as a “preventive measure.” “We have no reason to believe at this time that any government information has been compromised,” he added.

A spokesperson for TikTok responded in an email by condemning the “curious” decision, which was made “without citing any specific security issue,” and expressed regret that the site had not been contacted by the government.

Already at the crossroads of the EU and the Biden administration

The ultra-popular short and viral video platform, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is increasingly scrutinized by Westerners who fear Beijing could access users’ data around the world. The ban in Canada comes a few days later Similar result The European Commission banned TikTok for its employees to “protect” the company.

Also on TikTok’s crosshairs American officials: A law approved by President Joe Biden a few weeks ago bans the use of this app on the devices of the House of Representatives and Senate and public employees.

Relations between Ottawa and Beijing have been strained since 2018

Relations between China and Canada have deteriorated sharply in recent years, particularly after the 2018 arrest by Canada of Huawei’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, at the request of the United States.

The Canadian Privacy Commissioner made the announcement last week Investigation In application to establish compliance with Canadian laws. It specifically aims to verify that “TikTok has valid consent to collect, use and communicate personal information”.

(AFP)Show comments