Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok promotes teen-oriented videos to encourage young Canadians to rely on the app “as their primary source of ‘unbiased news.’”
The Intelligence Assessment Secretariat of the Privy Council in a federal affidavit sworn by national security analysts called it a long term strategy to “influence future leaders,” per Blacklock’s Reporter.
“A hefty percentage of Canadians are on TikTok and it is easier for China to reach Canadians through a series of 10-second videos than through articles in traditional media,” said the sworn statement signed by Adelle Ferguson, director general of strategic policy with the Privy Council’s Security and Intelligence Secretariat and filed with the Commission on Foreign Interference.
“Proliferation of social media platforms has influenced how adversaries shape the information environment and how they engage with youth.”
“Tools like TikTok for example are ripe ground for targeting Canada’s youth especially since TikTok content is moderated and influenced by China.”
“The security and intelligence community is aware of this threat.”
The affidavit summarized a confidential Privy Council memo entitled, Mobilizing Disinformation In A Public Discourse War With The West.
It stated “the Chinese Communist Party is targeting younger demographics as part of a long term strategy to influence future leaders in Western countries including Canada.”
“The memo stated the Communist Party’s future disinformation and propaganda efforts would have greater impact on teens and young adults, noting the reliance of youth on TikTok as their primary source of ‘unbiased news,’” said the affidavit.
TikTok Canada executives in testimony last October 24 at the Commons Ethics Committee denied any nefarious misuse of the platform.
“Millions of Canadians are using it,” testified Steve de Eyre, public policy director with TikTok Canada.
“It’s really a place for creativity and joy.”
“We are not a Chinese company,” he claimed
“We have never provided information, Canadian user data, to the Chinese government. TikTok isn’t available in China. We couldn’t provide that information if we were asked.”
“What is your response to the idea TikTok is essentially muting all of the voices that are against the Chinese Communist Party?” asked Liberal MP Anthony Housefather.
“I absolutely disagree,” replied de Eyre.
The Trudeau Liberals on November 6 said cabinet had “ordered the wind up of the Canadian business carried on by TikTok Technology Canada Incorporated” under the Investment Canada Act. It also banned federal employees’ use of TikTok on government-issue mobile devices. It did not ban public use of the platform.
“We are being told we need to ban TikTok but that we can continue to use it, that’s our choice,” Bloc Québécois MP René Villemure told a December 12 hearing of the ethics committee.
“I find it ironic.”