The members of the Canadian Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression represent every province and territory as well as the breadth of perspectives and diversity of Canada. The Assembly met for three virtual sessions and five in-person meetings between October and November, 2021. Working in both official languages, the Assembly heard from more than a dozen recognized experts.

Through their deliberations, the Assembly identified seven values that should shape Canada’s approach to internet regulation and unanimously endorsed 27 recommendations which they believe will help to safeguard and strengthen our democracy while reducing the prevalence of disinformation online.

The Assembly’s recommendations advocate for robust research, an ethical framework for the tech industry, and a variety of improved and increased educational programs to promote digital literacy at all ages. The members call for a digital regulator, fast and easy access to justice, and international cooperation to tackle this complex issue and protect individuals. User control over data and experience is also deemed paramount, attempting to rebalance the power between platforms and people. Finally, a series of legal reforms are presented to strengthen and adapt existing laws and protections.

Highlights of their recommendations include:

• Establishing an independent research centre to examine the spread of disinformation and its impacts;

• Creating a new professional body for software developers to uphold their own professional and ethical standards of practice;

• Funding an independent, interdisciplinary, and dedicated digital regulator to help combat the effects and prevalence of disinformation;

• Establishing an e-court system to allow swift access to justice and promote platform and user accountability;

• Launching a global forum on disinformation for the purpose of securing greater cooperation and agreements to reduce the prevalence of disinformation;

• Implementing a series of platform standards including: disclosure of takedown activities, identifying and flagging sources of harmful disinformation, and sharing of algorithmic impacts and intentions;

• Reviewing and updating current laws, especially the Elections Act and the Criminal Code;

• Strengthening whistleblower protections;

• Enacting the necessary regulatory framework to give users full ownership and control of their data and the ability to shape their online experience;

• Establishing the Canadian Centre for Prevention of Disinformation (CCPD), a well-resourced organization with a mandate to educate the public about disinformation through programming, toolkits, and curriculum co-development; and

• Investing in quality information and reputable journalism at the national, regional, and community levels.

Media inquiries? Contact Hannah Yakobi, Director of Communications, Public Policy Forum