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RCMP Plans Online Undercover Surveillance Amid Concerns Over Civil Liberties and Extremism
11-27-2024
The RCMP is preparing to enhance its online investigative capabilities by using undercover officers with fake personas to target ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE) in Canada, according to an internal strategy document. Experts on IMVE highlight the urgency of such measures, citing the increasing potential for online extremism to incite real-world violence.
The move comes as Canada faces heightened risks of extremist activity, potentially influenced by global events such as the U.S. presidential election. Experts warn that regardless of the election outcome, Canada may see a surge in extremism, mirroring historical patterns observed after the elections of Donald Trump and Barack Obama.
Balancing National Security and Civil Liberties
Civil liberties advocates, however, express concerns about the RCMP's approach. They argue that online undercover operations could infringe on Canadians’ Charter rights, possibly encouraging actions individuals might not otherwise take. The RCMP has previously faced criticism from the privacy commissioner for its use of fake social media profiles to monitor activists, including members of Black Lives Matter and Idle No More.
Tim McSorley, coordinator of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, acknowledges the importance of addressing IMVE but stresses the need for safeguards to ensure civil liberties are not compromised.
The Strategy and Its Implications
The April 2024 strategy document, obtained through access to information law, outlines the RCMP's plans to build an undercover online presence as part of its counter-IMVE efforts. This includes creating "legends" (fake identities) and enhancing technological resources to conduct covert surveillance.
The document notes a shift in focus from terrorism-related charges to broader public safety measures, such as using alternative legal tools and mental health interventions. It also emphasizes building internal intelligence capacities to reduce reliance on incomplete information from domestic and international partners.
Barbara Perry, director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism, emphasizes the fragmented nature of extremist ideologies today. Many individuals adopt xenophobic, transphobic, and other extremist narratives without formally affiliating with organized groups, complicating law enforcement efforts.
The Role of Recent Events
The 2021 attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario, is cited in the RCMP strategy as a tragic example of IMVE in Canada. The attack, described as premeditated and motivated by anti-Muslim hate, underscores the pressing need to address such threats.
Experts also point to the growing influence of U.S. political developments on Canadian extremist movements. Garth Davies, a violent extremism researcher, notes that online surveillance is crucial for monitoring extremists operating openly in digital spaces.
Moving Forward
While the RCMP defends its use of undercover operations as effective tools for preventing crime, the strategy's implementation remains unclear. Critics and observers agree on the need for oversight and transparency to prevent abuses while addressing the growing threat of IMVE.
The debate highlights the challenge of balancing national security with the protection of civil liberties in an era of evolving threats.
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