Canada launches joint investigation with regard to TikTok’s use of personal information
On Tuesday, the Privacy Commissioner of Canada states that due to concerns about TikTok’s collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, Canada prepares to launch a joint federal and provincial investigation.
In a statement issued by the commissioner’s office, the federal privacy regulator, together with provincial counterparts in Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta, will examine whether TikTok’s practices are in compliance with Canadian privacy laws.
Focus will include examining “whether valid and meaningful consent is being obtained for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information.”
On the other hand, TikTok’s spokesperson stated that the privacy and safety of users remain their “top priority”. Also, the probe was an opportunity to “set the record straight” on how the company protects the privacy of Canadians.
Canada is among the governments and regulators from around the world that continue to scrutinize the Chinese company-owned platform because of concerns China could use the app to harvest users’ data or advance its interests.
Already in motion, the European Union’s two biggest policy-making institutions have already banned TikTok from staff phones. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate in December passed a bill to bar federal employees from using the app on government-owned devices.
In addition, the investigation adds another potential thorn in Sino-Canadian relations. These have been tense for various reasons, including recent accusations by Ottawa that China has tried to influence its elections and that it has been running air and maritime surveillance activities. Beijing, in turn, denies such allegations and has urged Ottawa to stop unwarranted speculation and smearing.
