Rapid Response Mechanism Canada Detects Information Operation Targeting Liberal Leadership Candidate
Ottawa, Ontario – February 7, 2025
The Rapid Response Mechanism Canada (RRMC), a government initiative to combat disinformation and foreign interference, has detected an information operation targeting a candidate in the upcoming leadership campaign of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The RRMC, which was established in 2022, is a collaboration between the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS), and Global Affairs Canada. Its mandate is to monitor and respond to threats to Canada’s democratic processes from foreign actors.
According to the RRMC, the information operation involves the coordinated dissemination of false or misleading information about the targeted candidate. The operation is using a variety of techniques, including:
- Social media manipulation: Creating and amplifying fake or misleading content on social media platforms.
- Email phishing: Sending emails designed to trick recipients into providing personal information or spreading disinformation.
- Website manipulation: Creating websites that impersonate official sources or spread false information.
The RRMC has not identified the foreign actor responsible for the information operation. However, it has assessed that the operation is likely motivated by a desire to influence the outcome of the Liberal leadership campaign.
The RRMC is working with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate the information operation and identify the perpetrators. The RRMC is also providing support to the targeted candidate and the Liberal Party of Canada to mitigate the effects of the operation.
The RRMC is urging the public to be vigilant about the spread of disinformation and foreign interference. The RRMC encourages Canadians to:
- Be skeptical of information shared on social media or through other untrustworthy sources.
- Verify information from multiple sources before sharing it.
- Report suspicious activity to the RRMC at [email protected]
The Liberal Party of Canada has condemned the information operation and called on all candidates to refrain from using disinformation or foreign interference in the leadership campaign.
The federal government has also taken steps to address the threat of foreign interference in Canada’s democratic processes. In 2022, the government passed the Foreign Influence Registry Act, which requires foreign entities to register their activities in Canada. The government has also increased funding for the RRMC to enhance its capabilities.
The detection of this information operation highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to combat disinformation and foreign interference in Canada. The RRMC plays a vital role in protecting Canada’s democratic processes from these threats.
Media Contact:
Rapid Response Mechanism Canada [email protected]
Rapid Response Mechanism Canada detects information operation targeting a candidate for the leadership campaign of the Liberal Party of Canada
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