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The chief of Canada’s Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has warned Canadians against using the video app TikTok, saying data gathered from its users “is available to the government of China.”
According to reports by CBC, CSIS Director, David Vigneault said in a recent interview “My answer as director of [the Canadian Security Intelligence Service] is that there is a very clear strategy on the part of the government of China… to be able to acquire… personal information from anyone around the world.”
“As an individual, I would say that I would absolutely not recommend someone have TikTok. Most people can say ‘Why is it a big deal for a teenager now to have their data [on TikTok]?’ Well in five years, in 10 years, that teenager will be a young adult, will be engaged in different activities around the world.”
“If you are, for whatever reason, getting in the crosshairs of the [People’s Republic of China], they will have a lot of information about you.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has implored Canadians to pay attention to the CSIS chief’s warnings. “When the director of CSIS is pointing out that TikTok poses a real threat to the data security of Canadians, I think Canadians need to listen”, said Trudeau on Friday.
In 2023, Ottawa banned TikTok from government-issued mobile devices, citing security concerns.
CBC reports states that TikTok’s spokesperson in Canada, Danielle Morgan said in a statement issued on Friday that “TikTok has never shared Canadian user data with the Chinese government, nor would we if asked.”
“Singling out one platform and making unsupported accusations does not make Canadians safer. We will continue to engage with Canadian officials and would welcome the opportunity to meet with CSIS to discuss how we protect the privacy and security of Canadians.”
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