Federal Court Strikes Down TikTok Shutdown Order in Canada

JAKARTA - A Federal Court has decided to overturn its previous order banning TikTok from operating in Canada, and has asked the Canadian government to conduct a review.

In November 2024, the Canadian Ministry of Industry ordered the dissolution of the TikTok business on the grounds of national security risks, but was not followed by blocking access or users' ability to create content.

However, on Wednesday, January 21, a federal judge, Russel Zinn, suspended the order and asked Industry Minister Melanie Joly to conduct a new review.

A TikTok spokesperson in Canada said the company greatly appreciated and welcomed the decision and hoped to work with the Canadian Minister of Industry.

The tech giant insists closing its operations in Canada would mean losing hundreds of jobs and reducing support for local creators.

"Maintaining the TikTok Canada team will allow for a path forward that continues to support millions of dollars in investment in Canada and hundreds of local jobs," the TikTok spokesperson said.

Launching The Canadian Press, last year TikTok announced it would withdraw as a sponsor of several Canadian arts institutions, including the Juno Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival, as a result of the order.

Meanwhile, to date, the Canadian Ministry of Industry has not provided any comments or statements.