RCMP Expands Digital Surveillance Program To Target Canadian ‘Extremists’ Using Fake Personas

The RCMP plans to monitor Canadian “extremists” online by creating fake online accounts, according to an internal report obtained through an Access to Information request. The report details how the RCMP will expand its covert online presence to counter potential threats from ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE).

Following recommendations from the 2022 Operational Improvement Review, the RCMP will engage in “legend-building” techniques to bolster national security investigations. This includes developing online aliases and covert identities to infiltrate online networks suspected of extremism.

Critics warn this program may violate privacy rights if not carefully managed. Canada’s privacy commissioner has raised alarms, stating that judicial oversight is necessary to prevent unlawful surveillance practices. Civil liberties organizations also argue that these tactics might lead to entrapment or misuse, particularly against law-abiding Canadians.

Rebel News publisher Ezra Levant has voiced strong opposition to the plan, stating that it could unfairly target conservatives, truckers and other social critics. Levant suggests the RCMP might prioritize ideological surveillance over addressing real violence, arguing that these efforts may end up disproportionately monitoring government critics.

To execute this digital surveillance, the RCMP document indicates a need for increased resources, including additional accounts, technology and training. Proponents argue these measures are essential in a digital age, but concerns over misuse and lack of oversight persist among critics.

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