Is TikTok Getting Banned in Canada?

Worried about whether TikTok is getting banned in Canada? As of June 26, 2025, TikTok is not banned in Canada. You can still use the app to watch, create, and share videos. However, the Canadian government ordered TikTok to close its Toronto and Vancouver offices in November 2024, citing national security concerns tied to its Chinese owner, ByteDance. This move sparked fears of a full ban, but the app remains active.

This guide explains the current status, why the office closure happened, and what could lead to a ban in the future.

TikTok’s 14 million Canadian users, especially younger audiences, rely on the app for entertainment and income. The U.S. faced a near-ban in January 2025, delayed by President Trump’s executive orders until September 17, 2025, fueling speculation about Canada’s next steps.

Below, we detail the situation, risks, and how you can prepare. Let’s clear up the confusion around TikTok’s status in Canada.

Current Status of TikTok in Canada

TikTok is fully operational for Canadian users. You can download it from app stores, post content, and engage with others.

However, the government took significant action in 2024:

1. Office Closure: On November 6, 2024, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne ordered TikTok Technology Canada Inc. to shut down its offices in Toronto and Vancouver. This followed a national security review under the Investment Canada Act.
2. App Access: The government stressed it’s not blocking your ability to use TikTok or create content. The decision targeted ByteDance’s business operations, not the app itself.
3. Government Devices: TikTok has been banned on federal government devices since February 2023 due to privacy and security risks. All provinces and territories followed suit.

TikTok is challenging the office closure in court, arguing it harms Canadian employees and users. No full ban is in place, but concerns linger.

Why Canada Shut Down TikTok’s Offices

The government cited national security risks linked to ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company.

Here’s why:

• Data Privacy: Chinese law allows Beijing to demand user data from companies like ByteDance. A 2022 intelligence brief noted TikTok’s global reach makes it a potential “collection and influence platform” for China.
• Misinformation: Critics fear ByteDance could use TikTok to spread propaganda or censor content, like Hong Kong protest videos.
• Security Review: The Investment Canada Act review found TikTok’s Canadian operations “injurious to national security.” Specifics remain classified, but Minister Champagne called the risks serious.

Experts like Michael Geist, a University of Ottawa law professor, argue closing offices without banning the app may weaken Canada’s ability to enforce privacy laws, as TikTok’s operations shift overseas.

Could TikTok Be Banned in Canada?

A full TikTok ban in Canada is possible but not confirmed.

Here’s what could trigger one:

1. U.S. Influence: The U.S. nearly banned TikTok in January 2025 under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (PAFACA). Trump’s extensions pushed the deadline to September 17, 2025, for ByteDance to sell TikTok. If the U.S. bans TikTok, Canada, as a Five Eyes ally, might follow. Vass Bednar from McMaster University says Canada often aligns with U.S. tech policies.
2. Election Timing: With a federal election looming in 2025, banning TikTok could upset young voters. Philip Mai from Toronto Metropolitan University suggests the government may delay a ban until after the election.
3. Security Evidence: Stronger evidence of ByteDance’s misuse of Canadian data could prompt a ban. The government’s vague “national security” claims lack public detail, making a ban legally tricky under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
4. Public Support: A 2024 Leger poll found 50% of Canadians support a U.S.-style ban, with 76% of 18–24-year-olds using TikTok. Political pressure could sway policy.

For now, no ban is planned, but the app’s future is uncertain.

Impact on Canadian Users and Creators

A full ban would hit hard, especially for creators and businesses:

• Creators: Canadians like Seraphina Ellen, with nearly 100,000 followers, rely on TikTok for income via brand deals and LIVE gifting. A ban could cut off 83% of their audience, mostly U.S.-based.
• Businesses: TikTok’s 14 million Canadian users drive advertising and sales. Without U.S. users (170 million), ad revenue could drop, limiting platform growth.
• Alternatives: Creators are flocking to RedNote (Xiaohongshu), a Chinese app topping Canada’s download charts. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also options.

You can still use TikTok, but a ban would disrupt your content and connections.

How to Prepare for a Potential Ban

Protect your TikTok presence with these steps:

• Download Your Data: Go to Settings and Privacy > Account > Download Your Data to save videos and analytics. This takes 1–4 days.
• Diversify Platforms: Post on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or RedNote to maintain your audience.
• Save Contacts: Share your email or other social handles in your bio to stay connected with followers.
• Use a VPN: If a ban hits, a VPN might let you access TikTok, though functionality could degrade.
• Monitor Updates: Follow TikTok Policy on X (@TikTokPolicy) or check news for ban developments.

These steps help you stay ready without losing your content or audience.

Why the U.S. Situation Matters

The U.S. heavily influences Canada’s TikTok policy:

• PAFACA Law: Requires ByteDance to sell TikTok by September 17, 2025, or face a ban. The Supreme Court upheld this in January 2025.
• Trump’s Role: President Trump, once anti-TikTok, now supports it, citing its role in his 2024 election win. His extensions give buyers like Oracle or Amazon time to negotiate.
• Cross-Border Impact: Some Canadian users faced access issues during the U.S.’s brief January 2025 blackout, likely due to shared North American servers.

If the U.S bans TikTok, Canada might feel pressure to act similarly.

FAQ

Is TikTok banned in Canada right now?

No, you can still use TikTok. The government closed its Canadian offices in November 2024 but didn’t ban the app.

Why did Canada close TikTok’s offices?

National security concerns tied to ByteDance’s Chinese ownership, though details are vague.

Will TikTok be banned in Canada soon?

No ban is confirmed, but a U.S. ban by September 2025 could pressure Canada. Elections may delay action.

Can I still make money on TikTok in Canada?

Yes, through sponsorships, LIVE gifting, or affiliate marketing, but not the Creator Rewards Program.

What happens if TikTok gets banned?

You’d lose access to the app, and creators would lose U.S. followers. Switch to RedNote or Instagram Reels.

Conclusion

TikTok isn’t banned in Canada as of June 26, 2025, and you can keep using it. The government shut down TikTok’s offices over security concerns, but the app stays active. A full ban could happen if the U.S. enforces one by September 2025, so stay prepared.