In a dramatic plea, TikTok's CEO Shou Chew has reached out to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, requesting an urgent face-to-face meeting regarding the government's controversial directive to shut down TikTok's operations in Canada.

In a letter dated July 2, Chew emphasized the need for swift action, arguing that the shutdown order stemmed from outdated conditions—including a looming TikTok ban in the U.S. that no longer exists.

"Continuing with this outdated order serves no beneficial purpose and reflects a reality that has dramatically changed," Chew stated in his correspondence.

The Background of the Shutdown Order

Last November, Canadian officials ordered TikTok to dismantle its operations after a national security review scrutinized ByteDance Ltd., the app's Chinese parent company. Despite this order, the TikTok app remains accessible to Canadian users.

Chew warns that adhering to the November mandate would position Canada as an outlier among allies, particularly among the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing nations, suggesting that the rationale behind the order is increasingly irrelevant.

The Impending Fallout

Without Joly's intervention, Chew indicated that over 350 Canadian employees could soon face layoffs, while the company will have to halt its investments in Canada and reduce support for local creators and cultural initiatives.

"The wind-up process is nearing a critical point," Chew expressed, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Sponsorship Cuts and Legal Battles

On July 7, TikTok announced its withdrawal from sponsoring prominent Canadian arts entities, including the Juno Awards and the Toronto International Film Festival, indicating the financial repercussions of the government's actions.

Chew's letter has yet to receive a response from Minister Joly's office, and it remains unclear whether a meeting will take place.

In the meantime, TikTok is mounting a legal challenge against the shutdown order in Federal Court, alleging that the government's measures lack a rational basis in relation to national security risks.

Canada's National Security Review Process

The national security review conducted by Ottawa utilized the Investment Canada Act, allowing the government to probe foreign investments that could jeopardize national security. Previous minister François-Philippe Champagne hinted at specific risks but did not elaborate further.

Concerns about privacy and safety surrounding TikTok stem from Chinese laws that may compel companies to assist in intelligence activities.

A Call for Dialogue

Chew maintains that no evidence has been presented to substantiate claims of TikTok as a security threat to Canada. Instead, he advocates for dialogue to address governmental concerns through reinforced data security protocols and enhanced transparency.

"Retaining a presence in Canada allows TikTok to ensure accountability to Canadian authorities," Chew concluded.