Disinformation: A Growing Threat to Canadian Democracy
The final report from the federal inquiry into foreign interference has identified disinformation as the most significant threat to Canadian democracy. This alarming conclusion stems from a year-long investigation led by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, focusing on how foreign governments target Canada’s democratic processes, including the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. While the report acknowledges traditional forms of interference like illicit campaign funding and political intimidation, it highlights the unique and pervasive danger posed by disinformation in the modern digital age.
Hogue’s report emphasizes that disinformation’s potency lies not solely in swaying specific election outcomes, but in eroding public trust in democratic institutions and processes. By fostering division, amplifying mistrust, and hindering compromise, disinformation undermines the core values of a healthy democracy, which relies on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and a shared understanding of facts. This erosion of trust can destabilize the very foundations of democratic governance, creating a fertile ground for further manipulation and interference.
While the report cites specific instances of alleged disinformation campaigns during recent elections, including those targeting former MP Kenny Chiu, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, it concludes that these campaigns had minimal impact on the overall election results. However, the report warns against complacency, emphasizing the evolving nature of disinformation and its potential for far-reaching consequences. Experts, like Stephanie Carvin from Carleton University, note the surprising prominence given to disinformation in the report, especially given the limited public testimony directly addressing the issue during the inquiry.
The report highlights the confluence of several factors that amplify the disinformation threat. The rise of generative AI, which enables the rapid creation and dissemination of convincing but fabricated content, has dramatically lowered the barriers to entry for malicious actors. Simultaneously, declining trust in traditional media outlets, which play a crucial role in fact-checking and providing accurate information, further complicates the landscape. This erosion of trust leaves citizens more vulnerable to manipulative tactics and less equipped to discern credible information from fabricated narratives. The report also acknowledges the persistent threat of foreign meddling, exploiting these vulnerabilities to sow discord and undermine democratic processes.
The Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO), a joint research project between McGill University and the University of Toronto, examined misinformation and disinformation during the 2019 and 2021 elections. While MEO found a significant amount of misinformation circulating, particularly related to COVID-19 and alleged voter fraud, they concluded its impact was limited due to low engagement and Canadians’ ability to identify false narratives. However, MEO director Aengus Bridgman warns that the landscape has shifted dramatically since then. The increasing concentration of social media power in the hands of a few individuals, combined with the rise of generative AI, creates a more vulnerable environment for disinformation campaigns. Bridgman underscores the ease and affordability of AI-driven disinformation, making it a readily available tool for state and non-state actors seeking to manipulate public opinion.
Hogue’s report stresses the scale and complexity of the disinformation challenge, acknowledging that Canada cannot effectively address it alone. The report recommends establishing a government body to monitor open-source information, like social media activity, to identify and mitigate misinformation and disinformation campaigns. This recommendation, however, raises concerns about privacy and the government’s role in determining the veracity of information. The report also underscores the importance of supporting traditional media, which adheres to journalistic standards and practices, in providing accurate information to the public. Yet, paradoxically, public trust in these institutions is declining, and some political leaders, like Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, advocate reducing government support for legacy media. Despite these challenges, experts like Bridgman see the Hogue report as a catalyst for a broader discussion on tackling disinformation, urging governments and civil society to collaborate on policies and infrastructure to counter this escalating threat to democracy.