Explanation
Ah, the internet and social media! Thanks to one of the greatest developments in the history of communication, at least in theory, we are at our disposal a set of tools that should lead to the promotion and sharing of an almost endless treasure trove of information and data that we can be more knowledgeable, smarter and more. Instead, we are flooded with trolling, disinformation, misinformation, and weakening of social structures.
The creation of these platforms by liberal secular democracy and those living within it was unaware of those on the other side of the political spectrum: dictators, dictators, and blame leaders who use these gateways to monitor, threaten and punish those who are perceived as opposed to their purposes. Not surprisingly, the main players in this bundle are China, Iran and Russia, all of which are boys in the posters of a closed society who do not mediate or criticize the opposition.
China’s campaign is undoubtedly strengthened by its weak response to Canadian interference, from denial to inaction, work carried out by spy agencies, accusations of “racism” by parents, futile delays in implementing implementation tools, and new laws to monitor what goes on in the first place and prevent its impact.
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Alas, most people are not equipped to recognize AI and fake images. The technology that underpins these malicious tools is rapidly improving, and the average person has no ability (and is it interested?) to determine what is realistic and what is not. As a result, we consume false data, but can have a disproportionate impact on decision-making. How often did fake videos draw conclusions that would help advance the goals of external actors?
I’m worried that Canadian authorities are talking about the talk but aren’t taking a walk. We already know what our enemies are doing and have known it for decades. Still, it appears we cannot implement programs (e.g. education, awareness training, real penalties for those posting fake news online, pressure on social media companies to remove such content). This lack of action is inexplicable.
Simply put, China sees an easy path to intervention and influence efforts in Canada.
We Canadians need to wake up and fully understand the threat this poses to us. The time for action is not three elections. Our security agencies need the resources to actively thwart China’s efforts to undermine our country, and the intelligence they carefully produce must be read, understood and embedded in meaningful actions.
Canada has risen to the past when things are tragic. These conditions are playing again and require a strong response.
The views expressed in this article are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the epoch era.
