The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) plans to create fake online profiles to monitor “extremist” activities in Canada. The newly revealed plan, detailed in an internal document obtained by CBC through an Access to Information request, aims to improve the RCMP’s capabilities in investigating national security threats online.

Supporters of the strategy argue that covert online presence is essential to counter ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE). Many experts suggest this approach is increasingly necessary as online threats are seen as having the potential to turn into real-world violence. The plan follows a 2022 Operational Improvement Review (OIR) recommendation, which urged the RCMP to expand its online undercover capabilities for effective national security investigations.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) plans to conduct undercover investigations online by creating fake profiles to identify ideological extremists within Canada. pic.twitter.com/V7TS6UiVs1

— YEGWAVE (@yegwave) November 4, 2024

However, critics raise significant concerns about privacy and potential abuses. Canada’s privacy commissioner has warned that without judicial oversight, such covert activities could violate citizens’ privacy rights. Civil liberties groups argue that this new RCMP strategy risks entrapment and may lead to the targeting of Canadians expressing lawful dissent.

What constitutes an ideological extremist? 😂

— Drake Cruz (@DrakeCruz83) November 4, 2024

Additionally, there is concern over who might be labeled as an “extremist.” Rebel News publisher Ezra Levant has been vocal about the program, suggesting it may be used more to monitor social conservatives, parental rights advocates and those opposed to gender ideology than any actual security threats. Levant emphasized that the initiative might focus on groups opposing government policies rather than violent actors.

Better be for the Islamic extremists conducting organized crime here and not grandma & grandpa on Facebook saying they don’t like what’s happening to their country. 😐

— Robin Lee McIntosh (@flatEarther319) November 5, 2024

The RCMP document also hinted at the need for significant resources to sustain these operations, including monikers, information technology and specialized equipment. This expansion, according to officials, is necessary to meet growing online threats and demand for undercover intelligence in the IMVE area.

It wont be Khalistani extremists, it will be everyday conservatives. I will bet money on that.#TrudeauDestroyingCanada

— Dr_CaptPatriot (@I_am_mr_patriot) November 5, 2024