The RCMP is moving forward with plans to develop covert online profiles aimed at tracking Canadian “extremists” in a move that has sparked heated debate. An internal document, made public by CBC, reveals that the police force intends to create a variety of online identities to address the growing influence of ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE).
The new surveillance initiative aligns with prior recommendations from a 2022 Operational Improvement Review, which advised that the RCMP bolster its online intelligence capabilities. Officials argue that with threats increasingly originating online, having an undercover digital presence is essential to maintaining national security.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) plans to conduct undercover investigations online by creating fake profiles to identify ideological extremists within Canada. pic.twitter.com/V7TS6UiVs1
— YEGWAVE (@yegwave) November 4, 2024
Privacy advocates and civil liberties groups, however, have pushed back against the plan, fearing it may compromise individual rights. Canada’s privacy commissioner has warned that such operations could lead to significant privacy violations, especially if conducted without judicial review. Critics contend that these undercover accounts could lead to entrapment or unfair targeting of Canadians engaging in lawful dissent.
What constitutes an ideological extremist? 😂
— Drake Cruz (@DrakeCruz83) November 4, 2024
Ezra Levant, the publisher of Rebel News, has argued that the program might unfairly target individuals based on political beliefs, rather than focusing on actual threats. Levant emphasized that this approach could be used to monitor critics of government policy rather than violent offenders, calling it a misuse of police resources.
The RCMP’s internal report indicates that the initiative will require more IT support, additional staff and technological resources to create and maintain these profiles. Supporters of the program argue it will enhance security by addressing threats before they develop, but critics worry that ideological surveillance could infringe on civil liberties.
Better be for the Islamic extremists conducting organized crime here and not grandma & grandpa on Facebook saying they don’t like what’s happening to their country. 😐
— Robin Lee McIntosh (@flatEarther319) November 5, 2024
With the program set to roll out, many Canadians are left wondering about the future of privacy and freedom of expression, as well as the transparency of law enforcement practices in the digital age.
It wont be Khalistani extremists, it will be everyday conservatives. I will bet money on that.#TrudeauDestroyingCanada
— Dr_CaptPatriot (@I_am_mr_patriot) November 5, 2024
