(OTTAWA) The head of the Canadian intelligence agency warns that hate speech associated with ideological extremism is becoming “normalized” and creeping into mainstream discourse.
Posted at 10:41 p.m.
Speaking at the University of British Columbia, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Director David Vigneault said that with the use of social media and other online platforms to sow disinformation, misinformation, propaganda and hate continue to grow and accelerate.
Speaking to an audience at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, Mr. Vigneault mentioned that this kind of manipulation of information and propaganda can have serious consequences, such as eroding the trust of the population towards democratic institutions as well as towards reasoned decisions and science.
He added that these speeches polarize public opinion and amplify the effect of antagonistic speeches.
Mr. Vigneault explained that the combination of a major disruptive event such as the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the growing influence of social networks and the spread of conspiracy theories, created an ideal environment for the exploitation of the public by influencers and extremists.
The spy service fears that the backlash created by all of these factors has the potential to drive individuals to commit violent acts.
Since 2014, Canadians fully or partly motivated by their extreme ideological views have killed 26 people in the country in addition to injuring 40 others, counted Mr. Vigneault.
Therefore, CSIS is increasing its dedicated resources to investigate and analyze threats of violence motivated by extreme ideologies.
And while extremism poses a threat to all Canadians, the sense of fear is particularly high for individuals and groups targeted by racism, discrimination and harassment, acknowledged the patron of Canadian spies.
“This is categorically unacceptable in Canada. I won’t mince words — there is no room for Islamophobia, anti-Semitism or hatred in any form,” he said.
As a solution, Mr. Vigneault insists on the importance of involving civil society in a global response to the phenomenon.
David Vigneault admitted that his own department faces challenges, particularly when it comes to diversity. A strategy of inclusion, equity and diversity must also be put in place immediately. An internal analysis showed that the organization was plagued by systemic barriers, discrimination and racism.