Canada Accuses India and China of Interference in Upcoming Elections, Citing AI Use. India Has Already Rebutted the Allegations.
India-Canada: Despite a change in Canada's Prime Minister, accusations against India continue. Canada has now accused both India and China of attempting to interfere in its upcoming general elections. These accusations come amidst rising tensions in Canada-India relations.
Serious Allegations by Canadian Intelligence Agency
Vanessa Lloyd, Deputy Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), stated during a press conference that countries like China and India are increasingly utilizing advanced technologies, particularly AI, to interfere in elections. She claimed that both nations might attempt to influence Canada's democratic process, specifically targeting the April 28th general election.
China's Strategy: Utilizing Social Media
Lloyd also indicated that China might leverage social media to advance its ideological security and strategic interests. It could attempt to influence Chinese diaspora communities in Canada through deceptive means. Furthermore, China could use AI to promote narratives favorable to its interests.
Accusations Against India: Intent to Interfere in Elections
Lloyd also leveled accusations against India, claiming that India possesses both the intent and the capacity to interfere in Canada's democratic processes. She suggested that India might pursue such interference to bolster its geopolitical standing. These accusations are likely to further strain Canada-India relations.
India's Earlier Strong Rebuttal
India had already refuted similar allegations made by Canada in January. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) categorically dismissed these accusations as baseless and deemed Canada's interference in India's internal affairs completely unacceptable. The MEA also expressed its hope that Canada would refrain from making such accusations in the future and take steps to prevent such activities.
