Media Ecosystem Observatory
@meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
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The Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO) and the Canadian Digital Media Research Network (CDMRN)
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Governments, platforms, media, influencers, and citizens all have roles to play:

🟢 Mandate transparency
🟢 Regulate AI-generated content
🟢 Support accountability
🟢 Strengthen democratic resilience
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Our report, The Canadian Information Ecosystem During the 2025 Federal Election, reveals a digital space shaped by:

🟢 Influencers
🟢 AI-generated misinformation
🟢 Deepening partisan divides
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
In March 2025, the Canadian Digital Media Research Network, led by the Media Ecosystem Observatory, tracked online information incidents during the election.

Our warning: Without urgent, coordinated action, we risk a future of deeper division and weaker democratic protections.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
🚨Our 2025 Federal Election report is here and it should serve as a warning for Canada to act now to protect future elections.

Canada’s 2025 federal election upheld its integrity, but exposed a digital ecosystem under mounting strain.

Read on to learn about our key findings 🧵
The Canadian Information Ecosystem during the 2025 Federal Election
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Why it matters: These tactics are part of a coherent strategy to polarize democracies, undermine institutions & erode support for Ukraine.

Canada and other democracies are not immune. Recognizing these patterns is key to building resilience.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Russia’s response aimed to polarize & delegitimize:
By flooding the infosphere with false & contradictory narratives, Moscow sought to fracture society and deepen divisions.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Amplified claims were largely conspiratorial:

🔴 Linking Kirk’s murder to historic U.S. assassinations

🔴 Suggesting the American left “celebrated” his death

🔴 Tying the killing to Ukraine or Israel
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Strong evidence of Russian information warfare: The Kremlin exploited Kirk’s death using tactics almost identical to those outlined in the FBI’s Doppelgänger affidavit last year. 🇷🇺
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
🚨 Information Incident Update: Kremlin Doppelgänger Tactics & the Exploitation of the Charlie Kirk Murder.

Our latest update shows how the Kremlin weaponized Charlie Kirk’s assassination as part of a broader info warfare strategy.🧵

#CharlieKirk #Russia
Reposted by Media Ecosystem Observatory
mediatechdemocracy.bsky.social
We’re thrilled to welcome Anna Jahn as the new Executive Director of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University! 🎉
Reposted by Media Ecosystem Observatory
mediatechdemocracy.bsky.social
She will be leading the newly merged Centre for Media,Technology and Democracy, which will bring together the work of @meo-cdmrn.bsky.social and the Centre. We will continue building on both teams’ strengths to advance research and policy leadership.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
This notification is issued by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network (CDMRN), with contributions from: @disinfowatch.bsky.social,
@dfrlab.bsky.social & the Media Ecosystem Observatory.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Why it matters: Kirk’s assassination is fuelling polarization, disinformation, and risks of violence in Canada. This is not just a U.S. issue, it’s impacting Canada’s information ecosystem.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
We’re tracking 3 key questions:
🔴 Content – What narratives & mobilizations are emerging?
🔴 Network – Which Canadian figures/outlets are focusing on this?
🔴 Impact – How much traction are these narratives gaining?
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Polarization online is intensifying:
🔴 True North Wire & Rebel News have criticized progressive reactions.
🔴 Progressive commentators are highlighting Kirk’s controversial politics.
🔴 Commentators including Rachel Gilmore are facing harassment & threats.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
Canadian politicians have weighed in, warning about the dangers of political violence and ideological disagreement.

Foreign states, such as Russia, China, and Iran, have demonstrated interest in amplifying and intensifying the polarizing discourse.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
In Canada, fallout includes:
🔴 A UofT professor on leave after controversial comments.
🔴 Vigils in Winnipeg, Calgary & Regina, some met with protests.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
On Sept 10, political commentator + Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a Utah Valley University rally.

The killing sparked polarized online discourse that has spilled into Canada, reshaping debates on free speech, extremism & political violence.
meo-cdmrn.bsky.social
🚨 Information Incident Notification: Ripple Effects of the Charlie Kirk Assassination in the Canadian Information Ecosystem. 🧵

#charliekirk #cdnpoli #uspoli