Canada’s upcoming federal election is at risk of disruption by malicious actors leveraging artificial intelligence, according to top election overseers. Foreign affairs deputy minister David Morrison and National Security Adviser Nathalie Drouin cautioned about the potential use of AI by foreign adversaries during a parliamentary committee session and media briefing. They highlighted the emergence of deepfakes, highly realistic fabricated images and videos created using AI technology, as a concerning trend.
Morrison emphasized the rapid advancement in AI capabilities, indicating that adversaries are likely to exploit such tools in future elections. Drouin echoed these concerns, noting the exponential growth of AI and the need to remain vigilant against potential interference. Both officials were part of a panel tasked with monitoring foreign meddling in the 2025 general election.
While efforts to combat AI-generated disinformation were discussed, Liberal MP Arielle Kayabaga raised the idea of labeling AI-generated videos to help combat misinformation. However, Morrison emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, given the evolving tactics of adversaries in the digital realm.
Drouin mentioned that the government has provided cybersecurity briefings and training for Members of Parliament to identify deepfake content. Despite some instances of attempted interference in past elections, such as by China and Russia, officials concluded that these activities did not pose a significant threat to the election’s integrity. The officials also addressed concerns about potential interference from the United States, emphasizing the need for a neutral monitoring approach against all foreign actors.
As the election approaches, the Canadian government remains watchful for any attempts at foreign interference, aiming to safeguard the democratic process and election outcomes.