On Nov. 6, Canada ordered the closure of TikTok’s operations in Canada. While the app is still functional for Canadians, it is blocked on government-issued devices due to concerns about data breaches and its connections to the Chinese government. In a statement released that same day, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne explained the government’s decision, saying it addresses “specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s operations in Canada.”

The decision follows a national security review of TikTok’s plans to invest and expand in Canada, a process conducted under Canadian laws allowing the government to assess foreign investments for risks to national security. However, details about the evidence that led to the shutdown remain undisclosed, as the law prevents the government from revealing the specifics of such reviews.

Specializing in Software Testing and Network Security Architecture, Diego Novoa explained why this app has sparked such controversy. 

“TikTok collects a vast amount of data from your phone, including your location, camera, and microphone access,” Novoa said. These permissions, often granted by users without a second thought, allow TikTok to develop a highly tailored experience. He explained that the app’s algorithm can even suggest content based on our daily conversations, showing how invasive its data collection practices can be. 

While other popular apps like Facebook and Instagram also gather extensive data, Novoa said the concern with TikTok is geopolitical.

“TikTok is from China, and that raises fears of espionage or misuse of data by the Chinese government,” he explained.

Novoa explained how data collected by the app could influence narratives during elections.

“The concern is that such influence could sway voters to support the interests of another country,” he stated.

Despite the federal government banning TikTok on government-issued devices, the app remains accessible to the public, which Novoa finds contradictory.

“What’s the point of banning it on devices if users nationwide still engage with the app?” he said. 

Content creators who rely on TikTok to reach audiences are particularly anxious about the platform’s future. With the potential for updates to cease due to its removal from app stores, users may be unable to access or maintain their accounts.

“This uncertainty generates concern for those who depend on the app for their livelihoods,” Novoa said. 

Adding to the concern is TikTok’s ability to access Wi-Fi networks. Novoa said the app can monitor unencrypted data passing through these networks, such as usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information.

“This level of access goes far beyond camera and microphone permissions,” he said, calling it a serious privacy invasion. 

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook employ similar data collection techniques. Novoa believes the difference lies in trust.

“Because TikTok is based in China, there’s a fear that the data collected is being shared with the Chinese government,” he said. This lack of transparency fuels mistrust and makes the app a unique target for national security concerns. 

Despite the controversies, TikTok’s design and algorithm remain a crucial draw for users. “The app is incredibly well-designed to keep people engaged. It’s in their best interest to have you spending as much time as possible on the platform,” Novoa said. 

In the US, ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, faces legal battles over whether the app should forbid. Meanwhile, Canada is watching closely, weighing the risks and benefits of further restrictions.