Security officials report a Beijing-linked online operation is targeting Carney

Jim Bronskill · The Canadian Press

· Posted: Apr 07, 2025 11:43 AM EDT | Last Updated: 6 minutes ago

Federal information officials accidental they've recovered an online accusation cognition linked to the Chinese authorities that has targeted Liberal Leader Mark Carney.

The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force says it traced the cognition to Youli-Youmian, the astir fashionable quality relationship connected the societal media level WeChat.

Intelligence reports nexus the Youli-Youmian relationship to the Chinese Communist Party's cardinal governmental and ineligible affairs commission.

Federal officials accidental "contrasting narratives" were dispersed connected WeChat "amplifying" Carney's stance connected the United States and targeting his acquisition and credentials.

The task unit reports seeing ample increases successful what it calls "co-ordinated, inauthentic" online behaviour connected March 10 — earlier the national predetermination was called — and again during the writ play connected March 25.

Federal officials accidental a sheet of elder bureaucrats that monitors elections has determined that this enactment is not affecting Canada's quality to clasp a escaped and just vote.

Following expanding levels of engagement with the online platform, a Liberal enactment typical was briefed connected April 6, says a media connection from the Privy Council Office.

The task unit volition beryllium raising its concerns with Tencent, the developer of WeChat, the media connection adds.

"This lawsuit is contained to 1 level and has not dispersed further, nor is it affecting Canadians' abilities to marque an informed determination astir their vote," the connection says.

"However, it is important for voters to beryllium alert of this benignant of activity, and to beryllium cautious with the accusation they mightiness beryllium seeing some online and offline."

More to come.