The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has announced plans to increase its surveillance of ideologically motivated “extremist groups” through the use of undercover online identities. This decision, documented in an April 2024 internal strategy report, outlines the need for a more covert online presence to counter perceived security threats.

According to the RCMP, “experts” on extremism have argued that the growing presence of online threats demands such a response. These experts believe an enhanced online program could assist with national security and prevent extremist plans from developing into real-world violence. However, privacy advocates warn that these tactics risk infringing on Canadians’ rights and could even amount to entrapment without strict judicial oversight.

What constitutes an ideological extremist? 😂

— Drake Cruz (@DrakeCruz83) November 4, 2024

The internal document states that RCMP’s “Federal Policing National Security” branch will be building a more robust undercover operation through “proactive legend-building and backstopping personas.” These operations would involve creating and maintaining fake online accounts designed to monitor activities within communities identified as potential threats.

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

Civil liberty advocates argue that this new strategy could create issues of surveillance overreach, especially without clear judicial review. Canada’s privacy commissioner has raised similar concerns, suggesting that any online monitoring efforts should remain within bounds that respect Canadians’ Charter rights.

Critics of the government’s plan, such as Rebel News’ Ezra Levant, are concerned the policy will primarily target ideological opponents of the Trudeau government. Levant claims the policy could allow the RCMP to overlook other pressing security concerns, such as antisemitic threats and extremist protests, while focusing on political opposition groups.

The RCMP has yet to respond to these criticisms, but the debate around the extent of online surveillance in Canada remains active and contentious.