As part of the panel on “Disinformation, digital space, and democratic processes”, the Foreign Interference Commission heard the expert opinion of Dr. Elizabeth Dubois, the University Research Chair in Politics, Communication and Technology, a Faculty member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society, and an Associate Professor of communication in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ottawa, and of Prof. Vivek Krishnamurthy, an Associate member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society at the University of Ottawa and a Associate Professor of Law at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
The panel focused on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) — false claims spread either intentionally or unintentionally — and their growing impact on public trust in institutions, the media, and democratic processes. The panel examined how social media, and digital platforms have exacerbated the spread of MDM, particularly in the context of foreign interference, and the rising challenges posed by generative AI tools, such as deepfakes.The experts also explored how social media platforms might take responsibility in addressing MDM while safeguarding democratic principles like freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information.
The Foreign Interference Commission also heard from Prof. Michael Pal, a Faculty member of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society and an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa, as part of the panel discussion on “Electoral Integrity: Nomination Contests and Leadership Contests”.
The panel focused on the vulnerabilities of nomination and leadership contests within political parties, which are seen as potential gateways for foreign interference. The discussion explored how political party processes, including nomination rules, voting procedures, and membership regulations, may be susceptible to manipulation and considered reforms to fortify these processes against external threats.
The policy consultation hearings are designed to assist Commissioner Hogue in making recommendations on foreign interference and its impact on democratic processes, a critical issue as digital ecosystems and AI technologies continue to evolve.