Chief electoral officer proposes legislative changes to crack down on deepfakes

Canada’s Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, is calling for a ban on the manipulation of candidates and other key figures in the electoral process through the use of deepfakes and other artificially created content without their consent. Perrault is proposing changes to the Canada Elections Act to address the growing threat of deepfakes and the spread of false information to deceive voters.

Deepfakes, which involve the manipulation of images, video, and audio using artificial intelligence, have the potential to undermine the integrity of elections by creating fake content that is difficult to distinguish from reality. Perrault’s report highlights the risks posed by deepfakes, especially in the hands of foreign state actors seeking to influence or disrupt the electoral process.

The existing laws in Canada do not adequately cover the manipulation of voices and images to create deepfakes. While there are provisions against impersonation and misleading publications, these laws do not specifically address the use of deepfakes to mislead voters. Perrault recommends expanding these provisions to include the manipulation of voices and images, regardless of the medium or platform used.

In addition to banning the spread of false information aimed at undermining trust in elections, Perrault is also calling for greater transparency in communications about elections and stronger safeguards for political nomination and leadership contests. These measures would help protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voters can make informed decisions without being misled by fake content.

As deepfakes become more sophisticated and easier to create, it is crucial that the Canadian government takes action to prevent their misuse in elections. By updating the Canada Elections Act to address the threat of deepfakes and enhance the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, Canada can safeguard its democracy against foreign interference and deceptive practices.