Security officials report a Beijing-linked online operation is targeting Carney

Federal security officials have uncovered an online information operation connected to the Chinese government, targeting Liberal Leader Mark Carney. The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force has identified the operation on Youli-Youmian, the most popular news account on the social media platform WeChat. This account has been linked to the Chinese Communist Party’s central political and legal affairs commission.

According to intelligence reports, the operation on WeChat aimed to spread “contrasting narratives” about Carney, emphasizing his views on the United States and questioning his experience and credentials. The task force observed a surge in what they describe as “co-ordinated, inauthentic” online activities on March 10 and again during the election period on March 25.

Despite these findings, federal officials have reassured the public that Canada’s ability to conduct a free and fair election remains unaffected. Following heightened engagement with the platform, a representative from the Liberal party was briefed on April 6 by the Privy Council Office.

The task force plans to address its concerns with Tencent, the developer of WeChat, in order to mitigate any further risks. The officials emphasize that the issue is limited to one platform and has not spread beyond that. They urge voters to exercise caution when consuming information online and offline.

“This case is contained to one platform and has not spread further, nor is it affecting Canadians’ abilities to make an informed decision about their vote,” the statement reads. “However, it is important for voters to be aware of this type of activity, and to be cautious with the information they might be seeing both online and offline.”

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.