RCMP plans to go undercover online to trap violent extremists

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is gearing up to launch undercover surveillance operations online using fake personas to investigate ideological extremists in Canada, according to an internal strategy document. This move comes as experts warn that online extremism poses a significant threat that could potentially escalate into real-world violence. They caution that regardless of the outcome of the U.S. election, extremist activities in Canada may see a surge.

Civil liberties advocates have expressed concerns about potential charter rights violations and the risk of individuals being influenced to take actions they might not otherwise take as a result of officers conducting undercover investigations using fake identities online. The RCMP faced criticism earlier this year for other online investigative activities that raised privacy concerns, prompting calls for strict guidelines to govern undercover online surveillance.

The internal strategy document, dated April 2024, highlights the need for police forces to collaborate in countering national security threats, emphasizing the RCMP’s plans to expand investigations beyond mere online monitoring. It underscores the importance of developing an undercover online program to support national security criminal investigations.

The document outlines the need for the RCMP to enhance its online undercover and intelligence capabilities in addressing ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE). It mentions the creation of additional online personas, monikers, and information technology equipment to sustain these activities. However, the current status of the program and whether officers are actively conducting undercover online investigations using fake identities remain undisclosed.

In response to inquiries about the program’s progress, RCMP officials refrained from providing specific details, emphasizing the lawful use of various investigative tools to protect Canadians and advance serious criminal investigations. They stressed that undercover operations undergo rigorous planning, review, and monitoring processes, in compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and applicable judicial procedures.

The strategy document underscores the significance of intelligence-led policing in countering terrorism and IMVE threats, noting that the RCMP often receives limited intelligence from Canadian and foreign partners, necessitating the development of in-house intelligence capacity. It suggests shifting focus from terrorism charges to public safety and disruption techniques to combat IMVE effectively.

Experts in the field of hate, bias, and extremism highlight the growing challenge of monitoring individuals drawn to ideological extremism, emphasizing the proliferation of extremist narratives online. They caution that the aftermath of the U.S. election could exacerbate IMVE threats in Canada, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance measures to address the evolving landscape of extremism.

While concerns have been raised about the potential risks and implications of undercover online investigations, proponents argue that such measures are essential to confront the increasing threat of ideological extremism. They stress the importance of balancing national security imperatives with safeguarding civil liberties to ensure effective and responsible law enforcement practices.

As the RCMP continues to refine its strategy for combating IMVE through online surveillance, stakeholders emphasize the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and respect for fundamental rights in all investigative activities. The evolving nature of extremism underscores the urgency of adopting proactive measures to safeguard communities and prevent the spread of dangerous ideologies in the digital realm.