Canada’s federal court has overturned the government’s order to dissolve TikTok’s operations in the country, allowing the popular Chinese-owned short-video app to continue functioning for now. The ruling follows a national security review initiated by Ottawa, which remains ongoing.
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The controversy began in November 2024, when Canada’s Industry Ministry ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business, citing concerns over national security. Officials warned that the app, with over 14 million monthly users in Canada, could potentially allow China to access user data or leverage the platform for strategic interests. Despite the dissolution order, the government clarified that access to the app and the ability to create content were not being blocked at that time.
Canada’s federal court has overturned a government order to close Chinese-owned social media app TikTok’s Canadian operations, allowing the short-form video app to continue operating for the time being, CBC reported. Chinese experts said that while the judgment is judicial, not… pic.twitter.com/4IvvnG79PS
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) January 22, 2026
TikTok promptly appealed the decision, emphasizing its commitment to user safety and data protection. In September 2025, the company had agreed to bolster safeguards to prevent children from accessing the platform in Canada after an investigation revealed lapses in personal information protection.
Federal court judge Russel Zinn rejected the dissolution order in a brief ruling, referring the case back to Industry Minister Melanie Joly for further examination. The judge provided no detailed reasoning for the decision, leaving the government to conduct a renewed national security review. Minister Joly confirmed that the review process will proceed, while TikTok expressed optimism about collaborating with Canadian authorities to ensure compliance and safety.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has encouraged stronger ties with China, partly to mitigate the economic impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada, highlighting the broader diplomatic and economic implications of the dispute.
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For now, TikTok continues to operate in Canada without disruption, though the federal review could still influence the platform’s long-term future in the country. The case underscores the balancing act between digital innovation, international relations, and national security concerns.