How disinformation, fake news and foreign interference threaten Canadian election | Montreal Gazette

March 31, 2025 | Aengus Bridgman, director of the Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO), spoke with The Gazette about the threats of fake news, deepfakes and foreign interference infiltrating your social media feed have never been higher. He cites an evolving geopolitical landscape, a reduction of safeguards by the main social media platforms and the advent of generative AI as game changers in the lead-up to election day on April 28.

“Obviously, the United States has a vested interest in the outcome of the Canadian election,” Bridgman said, “and the sabre-rattling around (making Canada) the 51st state is alive and well. The United States has become a global disinformation actor, not with the same level of central orchestration as other countries, but not far from it. “This is a really important moment in our country’s history,” Bridgman said, “where we need to make sure we have a national conversation and we are confident that whoever wins the election is the real winner and that the election is free and fair.”