National

TikTok sale puts Canada between U.S., China

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Aug, 2020 05:55 PM

The potential sale of social media platform TikTok to Microsoft is leaving Canada with a sense of deja vu.

Experts say the country is once again being pressured to take sides in a debate about digital technology that seems driven more by politics than by policy.

U.S. President Donald Trump is effectively forcing the sale of the Chinese-owned TikTok, citing national-security concerns.

Microsoft has emerged as a potential buyer for the popular video-sharing app, seeking to buy its presence in the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.

Michael Geist, an expert in internet law from the University of Ottawa, says the issue feels like a replay of the debate over whether to allow Huawei technology into Canada's 5G network.

He says Canada is once again uncomfortably pressured to take sides in the emerging global digital tech battle and may try to not get too involved in the TikTok talks.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver mayor wants B.C. premier to review policing across province

Vancouver's mayor wants the B.C. government to conduct a review of policing across the province. Kennedy Stewart says city council can do little to change policing in Vancouver and the provincial government could override any potential decision.

Vancouver mayor wants B.C. premier to review policing across province

Alberta licence plates become targets for COVID-19 fears in some B.C. towns

Some British Columbia communities are urging residents to show kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic following media reports of confrontations and rudeness shown to people driving vehicles with out-of-province licence plates.

Alberta licence plates become targets for COVID-19 fears in some B.C. towns

B.C. records highest overdose death toll for one month in May

British Columbia has recorded the highest number of illicit drug overdose deaths in a single month, reaching the grim milestone in May. The coroners service says 170 people died in May, compared with 76 deaths in February as concentrations of the deadly opioid fentanyl have increased.

B.C. records highest overdose death toll for one month in May

Politicians urged to collaborate on pandemic benefit for disabled Canadians

Federal politicians are being urged to work together to help Canadians with disabilities weather the COVID-19 crisis.

Politicians urged to collaborate on pandemic benefit for disabled Canadians

Federal prison chaplains escalate fight for collective agreement

Federal prison chaplains are stepping up a bid to negotiate their first collective agreement to secure better wages and working conditions.

Federal prison chaplains escalate fight for collective agreement

Military spending needed more now than ever, top defence official says

The Defence Department's top civilian official is touting the importance of continued investments in the Canadian Armed Forces, and says she has received no indications the Liberal government is planning to cut spending because of the COVID-19 crisis.