ICT & Cybersecurity

QSA's Week in ICT & Cybersecurity (#16, 2025)

CRTC outlines fibre access and broadband changes; Election TNR operation monitored; Ongoing AI and copyright debate; SITE Task Force addresses foreign interference; Emergency telecom resiliency measures advanced.

Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning ICT, cloud computing, digital infrastructure, social media platforms, digital privacy, AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and Web3.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Top Headlines

Main Stories

CRTC Details Fibre Network Access Decisions and Broadband Fund Updates

On April 22, 2025, CRTC Commissioner Claire Anderson addressed the British Columbia Broadband Association, detailing recent regulatory decisions affecting wholesale high-speed access over fibre-to-the-home networks. The CRTC has expanded competitor access to fibre deployed prior to August 2024, with exemptions for new fibre until August 2029. Large telephone companies were required to provide access by February 2025. Updates to the Broadband Fund include simpler application processes, support for Indigenous applicants, and revised mapping approaches. The CRTC is also reviewing pole access and considering process adjustments for wireless attachments in support of 5G deployment. Additional consumer protection consultations are underway, including potential standardized broadband information labels, with a public hearing scheduled for June.

SITE Task Force Reports Transnational Repression Operation Targeting Federal Election

The Government of Canada, through the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, briefed media on April 21, 2025, regarding a transnational repression (TNR) operation targeting the 45th general election. The campaign, largely targeting Chinese-speaking users in Canada via platforms such as Facebook, WeChat, TikTok, RedNote, and Douyin, involved coordinated inauthentic activity designed to discredit Conservative candidate Joe Tay. Engagement levels, while generally low since peaking in December 2024, rose at points during the writ period. The SITE Task Force has engaged with social media companies and briefed the affected party. The Panel overseeing election security concluded that the activity does not currently affect election fairness, but monitoring continues.

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Provincial Announcements

Ontario Invests $75 Million in Research and Innovation Projects

The Ontario government announced a $75 million investment in 162 research and innovation projects, supporting sectors such as information technology, auto manufacturing, and life sciences.

Ontario Research Fund Awards Nearly $68 Million to 108 Projects

Through its Ontario Research Fund, the province is providing nearly $68 million for 108 research projects, including biosciences infrastructure and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment.

MP Kevin Vuong Warns on AI-Driven Foreign Interference and Data Protection

MP Kevin Vuong posted on April 22, 2025, about the risks of AI-powered foreign interference and the importance of balancing regulation with innovation to safeguard consumer and patient confidentiality.

MP Kevin Vuong Discusses AI Weaponization in Geopolitical Events

On April 22, 2025, MP Kevin Vuong referenced research on 40,000 new X accounts during the #Oct7th attack, noting the potential for AI to facilitate attacks on democracies.

MP Kevin Vuong Advocates for Robust AI Governance

MP Kevin Vuong highlighted, on April 22, 2025, the need for effective AI governance to distribute benefits and protect against misuse by malicious actors and foreign adversaries.

MP Jean-Denis Garon Raises Concerns on Generative AI and Deepfakes

MP Jean-Denis Garon addressed AI-generated content and deepfakes during an exchange with the Centre de Recherche en Informatique de Montréal, stating that generative AI requires improved oversight.

MP Rachel Bendayan Criticizes Potential Cuts to AI Funding

MP Rachel Bendayan stated on April 22, 2025, that proposed cuts of $2.3 billion to AI funding would threaten Canada's capacity for innovation and job creation.

MP Rachel Bendayan Comments on Technology Investment Needs

MP Rachel Bendayan, also on April 22, 2025, reiterated the importance of sustained investment in new technologies, linking it to economic growth and job creation.

Senator René Cormier Highlights Copyright Issues for Artists in AI Era

Senator René Cormier posted on April 23, 2025, citing copyright as a central concern for artists as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, and referred to a potential Copyright Act revision.

Senator René Cormier Addresses Copyright and AI in French Post

Senator René Cormier, in a French-language post on April 23, 2025, connected the expansion of AI to ongoing copyright challenges faced by Canadian artists.

Senator Yuen Woo Questions SITE Task Force Coverage of Online Content

Senator Yuen Woo posted on April 25, 2025, querying why SITE Task Force and Canadian media have not addressed rightwing foreign interference in online content.