Canada has ordered "ByteDance" to divest its subsidiary "TikTok Technology Canada," even though this move will not prevent Canadians from using the popular social video application backed by China.

The decision comes after a national security review, with evidence and advice from Canadian security and intelligence agencies, according to a statement released on Wednesday by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne.

In 2023, the country joined allies including the United States and the European Union in banning the app on government-issued devices.

In a blog post, Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa, said it was a "strange" step, adding that "banning the company instead of the app may actually make things worse, as the risks associated with the app will remain, but the ability to hold the company accountable will be weakened."

Former President Donald Trump previously attempted to ban "TikTok" in 2020. In April, a bipartisan bill was passed that forces "ByteDance" to divest its ownership share in "TikTok," or face a U.S. ban.

"TikTok" is fighting the law in court. However, in July, Trump told "Bloomberg Businessweek" that he is now "with TikTok, because you need competition." TikTok representatives in Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment.