The Canadian government on Wednesday ordered Chinese-owned TikTok’s business to shutter its operations in the country, citing national security risks.

The order means TikTok must close its offices in Toronto and Vancouver.

In a statement, François-Philippe Champagne, the industry minister, said Canadians can still use the app. He, however, warned them to exercise caution.

Champagne said the ban addresses risks related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.

“The government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content. The decision to use a social media application or platform is a personal choice,” the statement reads in part.

“The government is taking action to address the specific national security risks related to ByteDance Ltd’s operations in Canada through the establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.”

Champagne said the dissolution order was in accordance with the Investment Canada Act, which allows for the review of foreign investments that may harm Canada’s national security.

He said the decision was based on information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners.

Reacting in a blog post, TikTok said it will challenge the order in court.

“Shutting down TikTok’s Canadian offices and destroying hundreds of well-paying local jobs is not in anyone’s best interest, and today’s shutdown order will do just that,” it added.

Canada also banned the TikTok app from government-issued devices, arguing that it presents “an unacceptable risk to privacy and security”.

TikTok faces intensifying scrutiny from Europe and America over security and data privacy.

Kamala Harris, candidate of the Democratic Party in the United States presidential election, has congratulated Donald Trump on his electoral victory.

Former US President Trump won the election on Wednesday after exceeding the magic number of 270 electoral college votes.

According to BBC, Harris called Trump and emphasised the peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.

The US vice-president is expected to address the public when she delivers remarks at Howard University later today.

Trump, the Republican standard-bearer, defeated Harris to become the 47th president of the US.

World leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, have sent their congratulations to the president-elect.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th president of the United States.

Trump is on the verge of being declared president-elect by the television networks.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu said he looks forward to strengthening the ties between Nigeria and the United States “amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world”.

The Nigerian leader added that Trump “will bring the world closer to peace”.

“Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens,” Tinubu said.

“Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.”

The president also congratulated Americans on their commitment to democracy.

“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th president will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” the statement adds.

“Acknowledging the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, the Nigerian leader trusts that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.”