Canada faces 'Spamouflage': Chinese-linked campaign targets Trudeau and MPs in social media assault

A sophisticated 'Spamouflage' campaign, believed to be linked to China, has targeted Canian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several MPs. campaign, employing a bot network, inundated social media accounts with thousands of comments containing nefarious claims, raising concerns about foreign interference and disinformation.

Despite alarming situation, critics argue that Canian government is not taking decisive action against 'Spamouflage' onslaught. CTV News reported that federal government's 'Rapid Response Mechanism' (RRM) detected campaign but questions persist about equacy of response to this orchestrated social media assault.

Global Affairs Cana (GAC) stated that 'Spamouflage' campaign can be traced back to People's Republic of China. campaign, initiated in August and intensifying over a long weekend in September, targeted MPs from various political affiliations, both in English and French, on platforms like Facebook and 'X'.

deluge of posts orchestrated by bot network alleged criminal and ethical violations by MPs critical of Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Canian government's RRM reported claims suggesting "likely use" of deep fake videos, aiming to discredit and denigrate targeted politicians.

Concerns raised about cybersecurity and lack of information

Liberal MP Omar Alghabra revealed that he was notified of being targeted in 'Spamouflage' campaign. Despite reassurances of "no direct threat," concerns about cybersecurity implications and lack of detailed information persist among affected MPs.

'Spamouflage' is identified as a tactic utilising networks of new or hijacked social media accounts to spre propaganda messages. Canian government's foreign state-sponsored disinformation monitoring team outlined campaign's goal, aiming to create seemingly organic posts discrediting MPs and silencing criticism of CCP.

Canian Defence Minister Bill Blair confirmed that cybersecurity experts are actively investigating extent of 'Spamouflage' attack. Determining full impact on Canian government officials remains a priority as government works to secure digital spaces.

bot networks responsible for recent 'Spamouflage' campaign have a history of spreing disinformation. Global Affairs Cana reached out to Meta and 'X,' and platforms are reportedly in process of removing malicious content. Past instances of foreign interference in Canian affairs have prompted increased vigilance.

Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong criticised Liberal government's response, calling for stronger measures to protect Canians from threats by authoritarian governments. ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference is seen as a crucial step, but concerns linger about equacy of current safeguards.

Global Affairs Cana emphasised its commitment to monitor and dress disinformation campaigns, recognizing potential to undermine Cana's democracy. While MPs have been briefed on findings, questions remain about government's future actions to counter such cyber threats and ensure safety of its officials.