erate on the basis of shared information. They could also hinder discussion by playing into and worsening existing social tensions domestically and internationally.
We've seen this before. Russian disinformation efforts during the 2016 American presidential election stirred conflict on a number of issues including immigration, gun control and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Another issue with dumbfakes and deepfakes is that they undermine the credibility of video evidence overall, including real videos that may depict politicians or others engaging in compromising or morally reprehensible behaviour.
Protecting Canadian democracy
Legal means of addressing dumbfakes and deepfakes —copyright infringement and defamation laws, for example —are currently being explored. Detection technology is also being advanced.
But these approaches may not be effective if a dumbfake or a deepfake is opportunely shared just a few days before the election. Canadian citizens must therefore take on the responsibility of checking information and videos, especially around election time.
Dumbfakes and deepfakes have clearly changed the medium of video. The best way to protect against the disinformation they spread is by being aware of their existence.