Researchers at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research are leveraging artificial intelligence with their debunking tool, CIPHER, to combat online disinformation aimed at Canadians. The technology currently focuses on analyzing Russian disinformation campaigns but plans to expand to include Chinese language sources and information from the United States. Brian McQuinn, a project lead, highlighted the tool’s effectiveness in identifying misleading claims, such as false reports regarding Alberta’s independence.
CIPHER was developed following findings that pro-Kremlin social media targeted various Canadian groups with disinformation about the Ukraine conflict. McQuinn emphasized that such campaigns aim to divide societies and can easily spread through personal networks. He noted that manipulation of current events bolsters the plausibility of disinformation.
The tool is intended for use by government agencies and organizations like DisinfoWatch, which combats falsehoods. DisinfoWatch’s founder, Marcus Kolga, advocates for stronger legislation against the spread of fake news on social media platforms. McQuinn advised Canadians to pause before sharing information online to reduce the spread of disinformation.
