The rise of generative artificial intelligence, a decline of traditional professional media and the persistent threat of foreign meddling have combined to make disinformation the greatest threat to Canadian democracy, the federal inquiry into foreign interference suggests.
That was one of the ominous warnings from Justice Marie-Josée Hogue’s year-long probe into how hostile governments are targeting Canada’s democratic processes, including the last two federal elections.
Nowhere in Hogue’s sprawling 860-page final report is it spelled out exactly how disinformation is a greater threat than more traditional forms of foreign interference, such as covertly funnelling money, attempting to influence politicians, messing around in nomination races or intimidating diaspora groups.
Disinformation was discussed during commission testimony, but “the extent to which it was given prominence” in Hogue’s final report was surprising, said Stephanie Carvin, a professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University.
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“The prominence of it in …