Asia Tech Wire (Nov 7) -- Canada has ordered the termination of the Canadian operations of ByteDance's Canadian subsidiary, TikTok Technology Canada, following a multi-step national security review process, the government said Wednesday.

In a statement, the Canadian government said it made the decision under the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that "may be injurious to Canada's national security."

The Canadian government has said it is not preventing Canadians from accessing TikTok, ByteDance's short-form video app, or creating content on the platform, saying it was an individual's choice to use a social media app or platform.

In response, TikTok Canada spokeswoman Danielle Morgan said shutting down TikTok's Canadian operations would destroy hundreds of well-paying local jobs, which "is not in anyone's best interest."

"We will challenge this order in court," the spokesperson said, adding, "The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive."