Protecting Democracy
Toolkit to resist disinformation and foreign interference for community leaders

In Canada and around the world, democracy and democratic institutions (e.g. Parliament, provincial legislatures, the electoral process) have long faced threats from people or groups whose goal is to weaken them and weaken citizens’ trust in government.

This includes disinformation, the deliberate spread of inaccurate information, and foreign interference which have a negative effect on the well-being of people living in Canada and on Canada’s unity.

You can protect yourself and others by becoming aware of the threats of disinformation and foreign interference, learning how to identify false information, and understanding how information is shared and consumed online.

For more information and resources, visit Protecting Canada's democratic institutions and Foreign Interference.

Disinformation

Tips on how to spot disinformation

Everyone is susceptible to believing disinformation. Think critically about the information you consume and take steps to make sure the information that you share is accurate and reliable.

Disinformation can be hard to spot, but there are some common signs to watch for

Look for content that:

• Provokes an emotional response, particularly with negative or frightening claims
• Uses small pieces of valid information that are exaggerated or distorted
• Manipulates photos or images by altering them or placing them out of context
• Makes a bold or extreme statement on a controversial issue
• Has been shared widely on platforms with a track record of spreading disinformation
• Contains ”clickbait”—sensational and purposefully misleading headlines, images, and videos meant to entice viewers to click on specific links
• Makes claims that simply seem too good to be true

Stop the spread of disinformation

• Be aware. Equip yourself with the necessary tools in order to identify disinformation.
• Understand it. Understand how the internet and social media platforms work and possible efforts to manipulate the information you consume. Be vigilant when receiving information. Watch for the common signs including content that: makes an extraordinary claim; seems too good to be true; and has been shared widely on platforms with a track record of spreading disinformation.
• Promote a culture of accuracy. Demonstrate that you value the accuracy of information and encourage others to do the same.
• Verify your sources. Start by checking your sources and see if reliable sources are reporting the same information. You can find tips and resources to help you fact-check your information on ca-ciconline.com.
• Report it. All social media platforms give users a way to report disinformation.

Visit Online disinformation for more information on how to identify, fact-check and counter disinformation. 

Foreign interference

Foreign interference can erode trust and threaten the integrity of our democratic institutions, political system, fundamental rights and freedoms, and ultimately, our sovereignty.

Foreign state or non-state actors use a variety of techniques to target all aspects of society, such as diverse communities, electoral processes, post-secondary campuses, and traditional and social media. Common techniques or activities used by foreign state actors can include: elicitation, cultivation, coercion, illicit financing, cyber-incidents, intimidation and disinformation.

Unlike legitimate international cooperation and diplomacy which is transparent and done in good faith, foreign interference is covert and malign. Some other concerning signals to watch for include:

• a lack of transparency around communications, relationships, behaviour and interactions
• suggestions or implications that interaction will result in an exchange of favours or advantages (quid pro quo)
• offers of unusually generous gifts, travel or other benefits
• pressure to influence others to support particular views, opinions or positions

Protect yourself from foreign interference

• Be alert. Everyone has a role to play in the fight against foreign interference.
• Be cyber safe. Educate yourself about cyber security. Visit Get Cyber Safe for steps you can take to protect yourself online.
• Verify your sources. Check the credibility of your information sources to ensure that you are receiving accurate information.
• Report it. Suspicious activities and any incidents of intimidation, harassment, coercion, or threats should be reported to your local law enforcement authorities or the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

For more information on ways to protect yourself from foreign interference, consult Foreign Interference and You and Protect yourself from foreign interference.

How to report foreign interference in Canada

Any individual in Canada who is concerned that they are being targeted by state or non-state actors for the purposes of foreign interference should contact local police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805, or by email at RCMP.NSIN-RISN.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Report espionage or foreign interference to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) at 613-993-9620 or 1-800-267-7685, or online.