Deepfakes and Public Confidence
The Chief Elections Officer and Elections Commissioner have new tools to protect the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that public confidence in democratic institutions is preserved.
Changes to the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act (EFCDA) became effective April 16, 2026. This includes powers for Chief Election Officer and Election Commissioner to fine anyone for creating, distributing, or publishing ‘deepfakes’ that targeting specific individuals in Alberta.
What is a ‘Deepfake’?
To fall within the jurisdiction of Elections Alberta, a “deepfake” is defined as a depiction in a video, audio, photographic, digital, or other medium of specific people or representatives.
The list includes:
- a leader of a political party,
- leadership contestant,
- Minister,
- member of the Legislative Assembly,
- candidate,
- nomination contestant,
- Chief Electoral Officer,
- Election Commissioner,
- election officer as defined in the Election Act, and anyone who is or was employed or engaged by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer or by the Office of the Election Commissioner to carry out their respective duties.
Learn More about Deepfakes and Public Confidence:
AI as a Source of Election Information