Foreign ministry rang alarm bell over challenges in countering disinformation online - WestCentralOnline : West Central Saskatchewan latest news , sports , weather , community events .

Canada s foreign ministry has expressed concern over its diminishing capacity to counter foreign disinformation online due to limited data access and evolving adversary tactics, as revealed in a memo presented at a federal inquiry. The memo, attributed to Marta Morgan, the then deputy minister of foreign affairs, highlighted the shrinking data analytics capacity of the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Canada, a unit based at Global Affairs Canada. The RRM Canada, which produces open data analysis to track trends and tactics in foreign interference, relies on access to social media platforms Application Programming Interface (API) through third-party commercial providers. However, the memo noted a sudden and unforeseen denial of sanctioned access to data from these platforms, which has significantly hindered the unit s ability to provide policymakers with situational awareness and insight into potential foreign interference online. The memo also raised concerns about the difficulty in identifying foreign state-sponsored activity online due to the blurring lines between domestic and foreign actors, as well as the increasing number of social media platforms leveraged by adversaries. To continue fulfilling its mandate, RRM Canada is exploring alternative avenues, such as engaging with social media platforms through the G7 and expanding partnerships with civil society partners and scholars for real-time information and data exchange. The memo s release comes amid a federal inquiry focused on the ability of agencies to detect, deter, and counter foreign meddling. The inquiry also examines the experiences of diaspora communities and the challenges in gauging the effect of media content on people s behavior. In summary, Canada s foreign ministry is grappling with limited data access and evolving adversary tactics, which are impeding its ability to counter foreign disinformation online. The memo highlights the need for alternative strategies and partnerships to continue safeguarding Canadian elections and maintaining the country s reputation as a leader in countering disinformation online.

Source: westcentralonline.com
Published on 2024-09-26