TikTok, Ottawa settle national security dispute with data security, oversight deal

The federal government has reached an agreement with TikTok that will allow the social media platform to continue its Canadian operations under new data security and oversight conditions. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly (Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Que.) announced on March 9 that the government has completed its second national security review of the ByteDance Ltd. subsidiary and decided to permit TikTok’s Canadian business to proceed, provided the company adheres to "new legally binding undertakings." Under the terms of the deal, TikTok — which reports having more than 16 million monthly users in Canada — must implement stronger measures to protect Canadian user data, including enhanced “security gateways” and “privacy-enhancing technologies.” To ensure transparency, an independent third-party monitor will be appointed to audit and verify these data controls and protections, “monitor data flows and provide reports to the government,” said TikTok in its own announcement. The company added that it will give “qualified Canadian researchers” access to tools that support independent study of its platform. TikTok is also required to implement enhanced protections for minors, specifically those recommended by Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne last September following his office’s investigation into the company’s collection and use of children’s personal information. According to the commissioner, TikTok agreed to improve how it shares its privacy policy so that users, particularly younger ones, “understand how their data could be used, including for targeted advertising and content personalization.” The company also agreed to work harder at keeping underage users off its platform by enhancing its age-assurance methods, and to provide more privacy information in French. Finally, the social media platform has committed to supporting Canadian creators, cultural organizations, and training programs, with a specific focus on Francophone and Indigenous creators. Despite the deal, however, TikTok is still banned on federal government devices, according to reporting by The Canadian Press. “The existing restrictions on the use of TikTok on government devices remain in place,” Mohammad Kamal, spokesperson for Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, told the publication on March 10. The new agreement brings an end to a dispute that began in November 2024 when the government ordered the company to wind up its Canadian operations following a national security review under the Investment Canada Act. TikTok challenged the order in the Federal Court, arguing the government failed to properly engage with the company during the national security review and abruptly concluded the process without giving it a fair opportunity to address concerns. In January, both sides agreed to settle and conduct a new review of the company. news@thewirereport.ca

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TikTok, Ottawa settle national security dispute with data security, oversight deal

Regulatory | By Wire Report Staff |March 10, 2026

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Regulatory |
By Wire Report Staff
|March 10, 2026