Top election watchdogs in Canada have raised concerns about the potential use of artificial intelligence by malicious actors to disrupt the upcoming federal election. David Morrison, the deputy minister of foreign affairs, and Nathalie Drouin, the national security adviser to Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasized the likelihood of foreign adversaries exploiting this advanced technology during their testimony before a parliamentary committee and interactions with the media.
Morrison and Drouin highlighted the emergence of deepfakes, which are highly realistic synthetic or manipulated images and videos created through AI technology. They expressed the rapid evolution of these tactics and the anticipated utilization of AI by hostile entities to interfere with the electoral process.
Acknowledging the exponential growth of AI capabilities, Drouin underscored the need for vigilance to detect and combat potential disruptions. Both officials, who were part of a panel overseeing foreign interference in the 2025 general election, emphasized the importance of monitoring and addressing evolving threats.
In response to queries from Liberal MP Arielle Kayabaga regarding the labeling of AI-generated content, Morrison stressed the dynamic nature of adversaries’ tactics and the necessity of a comprehensive approach to safeguard the electoral system. Drouin informed the committee about the government’s efforts to provide cyber briefings and training for Members of Parliament to identify deepfake materials.
While reflecting on past election experiences, Drouin mentioned instances of attempted interference, such as China’s influence on a Conservative candidate’s campaign and Russia’s online activities. However, she clarified that these efforts did not pose a significant threat to the election’s integrity or outcome.
Conservative MP Michael Cooper raised concerns about potential interference targeting individuals like Joe Tay, emphasizing the importance of monitoring activities that could impact election processes. Responding to queries about U.S. interference risks, Drouin affirmed the government’s commitment to vigilance against interference from any country, including the United States, to safeguard Canada’s domestic affairs and electoral integrity.
The officials stressed the need for a proactive and impartial approach to counter foreign interference, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures and combat disinformation campaigns in the lead-up to the federal election.
