Direction on TikTok
From: Chief Information Officer of the Government of Canada
To: Deputy Heads and Departmental Chief Information Officers
Subject: Announcement – Blocking use of TikTok on Government of Canada Devices
Message:
Colleagues,
The Office of the Chief Information Officer of Canada reviews, on an ongoing basis, the ways in which Government of Canada devices are used to ensure networks and data remain secure and protected.
I am writing to you today to inform you that, pursuant to my responsibilities under section 4.4.1.9 of the Policy on Service and Digital, I am directing that the use of the TikTok application be blocked on Government of Canada devices as of 5 pm EST on February 27, 2023. This decision was made after a review of the behaviour of the application as it relates to our privacy and security standards, and impacts all organizations subject to the Policy on Service and Digital.
Effective on this date, Shared Services Canada (SSC), in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), will take the necessary measures to block the application on government devices for all organizations supported by SSC.
Organizations not supported by SSC services but subject to the Policy on Service and Digital are required to implement the remediation measures and report by March 7, 2023, to confirm that this has been done. Reporting and/or requests for assistance should be directed to OCIO Portfolio / Portefeuille BDPI.
My office will continue to monitor the situation and will work with our partners to ensure the continued security of our government information systems and networks.
Thank you for your prompt action to ensure that this direction is implemented within your organization without delay.
Catherine Luelo (She / Her)
Deputy Minister and Chief Information Officer of Canada
Government of Canada