Federal bill proposes ban on deep fakes, expands rules to leadership races
Posted March 26, 2026
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The federal government introduced legislation Thursday that would prohibit deceptive election deep fakes, restrict certain political donations and extend federal oversight rules to party leadership and nomination contests.
The bill would create a new offence targeting the use of artificial intelligence-generated content that falsely impersonates a candidate, party leader or election official, including realistic deepfake videos or audio. The prohibition would apply where the content is intended to mislead voters. An exception would be made for parody or satire, provided the content is clearly identifiable as such and not intended to deceive.
The legislation would also make it illegal to knowingly publish false information about voting procedures, such as incorrect polling locations, dates or eligibility requirements, if done to disrupt the electoral process.
Proposed changes would extend rules on foreign interference beyond the election period. Foreign entities would be prohibited at all times from attempting to influence candidates, parties, nomination contestants or leadership contestants.
The bill would further restrict political financing by reinforcing the ban on foreign donations, including indirect contributions routed through third parties. Contributions from corporations and unions would remain prohibited, and only eligible individual donors would be permitted to contribute within established limits.
For the first time, the legislation would apply key compliance measures to party leadership races and nomination contests. Leadership and nomination contestants would be subject to rules respecting financing transparency, reporting obligations and safeguards against foreign influence, aligning them more closely with general election standards.
The bill also proposes measures aimed at preventing ballot manipulation. Individuals would be limited to endorsing only one candidate’s nomination, and each candidate would be required to appoint a separate official agent, reducing the ability to mass-register candidates as a form of protest.
Registered political parties would be required to adopt and publish formal privacy policies governing how they collect, use and protect personal data, including voter information.
The legislation would expand the authority of Elections Canada, granting additional investigative and enforcement powers, and introduce measures to strengthen election security and administration.
Changes are also proposed to improve accessibility, including expanded identification options and additional supports for voters with disabilities and those in remote communities.
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