TikTok's teen-oriented videos used to 'influence future leaders,' feds warned

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National Security analysts said in a sworn federal affidavit that TikTok is promoting videos that appeal to teens to encourage young Canadians to rely on the Chinese app “as their primary source of ‘unbiased news.’”

The Intelligence Assessment Secretariat of the Privy Council said it was a long-term strategy to “influence future leaders,” according to 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 affidavit 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 sworn statement was signed by Adelle Ferguson, director general of strategic policy with the Privy Council’s Security and Intelligence Secretariat.

In October, TikTok Canada executives denied any youth influencing while testifying in front of the House of Commons ethics committee.

“It’s really a place for creativity and joy,” said Steve de Eyre, public policy director with TikTok Canada. “We are not a Chinese company. 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.”

Federal employees have been banned from using TikTok on government-issued mobile devices, but public use of the platform is still allowed in Canada.

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