Good afternoon, Mr. Chair and members of the committee.
Thank you for inviting me to appear as part of your study on the government's decision to order the wind‑up of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
I'm pleased to be able to contribute to this important discussion on national security and privacy with respect to foreign influence on digital platforms, including social media, and foreign ownership or control in that context.
With respect to the government's decision to order the windup of the Canadian business carried on by TikTok Technology Canada, Inc., this decision was made pursuant to the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may be injurious to Canada’s national security.
According to the guidelines on the national security review of investments, these reviews may look at a number of factors, including whether a foreign investment could facilitate access to sensitive personal data, including personally identifiable health or genetic information; biometric information; financial information; private communications; geolocation; or personal data concerning government officials.
This assessment is made by the government. My office was not involved or consulted with respect to this assessment. Indeed, we learned of it when it was announced publicly on November 6, 2024.
As you know, in February 2023, I launched an investigation into the TikTok social media platform with my counterparts from Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta.
We will determine whether TikTok's practices comply with Canadian privacy laws and, more specifically, whether TikTok has obtained informed consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
Given the importance of protecting children's privacy, the joint investigation focuses on TikTok's privacy practices for young users.
I expect that the findings from our investigation into TikTok will be informative not just for that company but also for other organizations that collect and handle children’s sensitive personal information. The government’s decision to order the windup of TikTok Technology Canada, Inc., does not impact my authority to investigate. We are nearing the end of this investigation. My goal is to have it concluded in the next few months. As the investigation is ongoing, I am limited as to what else I can share at this time.
Championing children's privacy, addressing and advocating for privacy in this time of technological change, and maximizing our impact are my three strategic priorities for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. To this end, in October of this year I issued a statement with my G7 counterparts on artificial intelligence and children. The statement highlights the importance of ensuring that such technologies as AI be developed in a manner consistent with the best interest of the child.
To achieve this important balance between innovation and the fundamental right to privacy, territories must work together so that citizens can actively participate in the digital world knowing that their fundamental right to privacy is protected.
To achieve this, we are setting parameters that will help organizations innovate while fostering a culture where privacy principles by design and default are embedded in their core business.
In closing, I would like to thank and congratulate the committee for its most recent report, released last Thursday, entitled “Oversight of Social Media Platforms: Ensuring Privacy and Safety Online.”
I fully support your recommendations that are good for privacy, for Canadians, for the public interest and for innovation. I look forward to sharing and discussing these important insights with my counterparts in Canada and internationally.
Thank you again. I'd be happy to answer your questions.
