The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has cautioned that nations such as China, Russia, and Iran are highly likely to deploy artificial intelligence tools to interfere in Canada’s forthcoming general election. In a recent report, the federal agency identifies these states as probable actors in efforts to manipulate the electoral process, using AI to disseminate false information and amplify disinformation through botnets. The centre also highlights the risk of cybercriminals exploiting election-related vulnerabilities to conduct scams targeting Canadians.
Despite these concerns, the agency assesses that AI-enabled activities are unlikely to critically compromise the election’s integrity. With the Liberal Party set to select a successor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the coming days, an election is anticipated shortly thereafter. The report further notes a disturbing trend: the use of AI to generate deepfake pornography aimed at public figures, particularly women and gender-diverse individuals, as a potential tactic to disrupt political discourse. The centre’s findings underscore the evolving cyber threats facing Canada’s democratic institutions as the vote nears.