Beijing is “highly likely” to attempt to use AI to interfere in Canada’s upcoming election.
Canada’s intelligence agency has warned that China, India, Russia, and Pakistan may attempt to interfere in the country’s elections, with Beijing particularly expected to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Deputy Director of Operations, Vanessa Lloyd, stated on Tuesday that the agency is prepared for potential meddling in the April 28 vote. She highlighted that Ottawa’s relations with China and India have been particularly strained.
Lloyd noted that foreign states are increasingly using AI to interfere in elections globally. “China is highly likely to use AI-enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada’s democratic process in this current election,” she said. She added that India has both the “intent and capability” to do the same, while Russia and Pakistan could also pose potential interference threats.
However, Lloyd acknowledged that directly linking foreign interference activities to election outcomes is often difficult. “Nevertheless,” she said, “threat activities can erode public trust in the integrity of Canada’s democratic processes and institutions.”
### Strained Relations
These accusations are unlikely to improve Canada’s tense relations with China and India. Ottawa recently condemned China’s use of the death penalty after Beijing executed four Canadian citizens on drug smuggling charges. Similarly, last year, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats over allegations of their involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists in the country.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the allegations, stating that Beijing has “no interest in interfering in Canada’s internal affairs” and always respects the sovereignty of other nations. Both China and India have repeatedly rejected similar claims from Canada in the past, further straining diplomatic ties.
A January report from Ottawa claimed that China and India interfered in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections. The Foreign Interference Commission noted that while foreign interference is not new, its methods are evolving, and its frequency is increasing.
### Upcoming Election
Canadians will head to the polls next month after Prime Minister Mark Carney triggered the election, aiming to capitalize on his Liberal Party’s momentum since the start of the year.
### Trade Disputes
This momentum has been partly driven by the trade war initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Canada is also entangled in trade disputes with China.
In early March, Beijing announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products in response to Canada’s levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products last year.
On Monday, the World Trade Organization revealed that Canada had filed a complaint against China. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry responded on Tuesday, asserting that Beijing’s “countermeasures are completely reasonable and in accordance with the law.” They urged Canada to “correct its wrong practices” and restore normal trade and cooperation between the two nations.
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