China’s Weaponization of Disinformation to Undermine Democracy in Canada

Dr. Benjamin Fung's research focuses on the use of artificial intelligence to strengthen national security in cyberspace. His work addresses two major areas: protecting critical cyber-physical infrastructure such as transportation systems, smart grids, banking, and healthcare networks; and examining how AI is used in cognitive warfare, including the spread and amplification of disinformation online. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and scalable, Dr. Fung’s research explores how defensive AI can help governments, organizations, and citizens respond.

A key finding from his work is that Canada’s critical systems and supply chains are more vulnerable than many realize. Hardware and software dependencies on foreign suppliers can create significant risks, particularly during geopolitical conflicts or disruptions abroad. His research also highlights the growing use of AI, large language models, and automated systems by hostile actors to conduct cyberattacks at scale. Dr. Fung emphasizes the need for more advanced security scanning, stronger infrastructure assessments, and proactive planning to reduce the impact of future threats.

Dr. Fung has also examined foreign interference and disinformation campaigns affecting democratic institutions and public discourse. His research points to the need for stronger public policy responses, greater digital literacy, and trusted fact-checking systems. Drawing lessons from international examples such as Taiwan, he highlights practical approaches that focus on transparency, citizen education, and accessible tools for identifying false or misleading content. Together, his work supports a more resilient Canada in both the technical and information domains.