Why Canada Took the Rare Step of Telling TikTok to Pack Its Bags

Ottawa told the Chinese makers of the popular and controversial app TikTok to close its operation in Canada this week following a national security review, but few details were released and the app remains accessible to use.
All foreign direct investments big or small are subject to a national security review under the Investment Canada Act. It applies to the establishment of a new Canadian business by a non-Canadian or the takeover of an existing business.
The process is conducted behind closed doors and involves security and intelligence agencies.
The national security review of TikTok Technology Canada, a subsidiary of ByteDance, was launched in September 2023 without a public announcement. The Canadian Press first reported on the review in March….