Manitoba government introduced legislation in an attempt to stop election misinformation by banning “deep fakes” and other false content that may sway voters.
The proposed bill expands existing rules that banned the intentional spread of misleading details about candidates, election officials, and voter eligibility.
If passed, it would be illegal to create, share, or promote manipulated images, videos, or audio recordings designed to alter an election’s outcome.
The law also empowers the commissioner of elections to issue “stop notices,” forcing individuals or organizations to remove suspected disinformation within 24 hours in most instances.
Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to $20,000 per day.
The bill aims to distinguish between accidental misinformation and deceptive content.
Officials say this distinction helps protect the democratic process while respecting freedom of speech.
In addition, political parties would be required to establish publicly available codes of ethics for their advertising strategies, including procedures for handling complaints.
The government says this bill increases transparency and accountability in political communications.
Manitoba’s chief electoral officer Shipra Verma recommended broader safeguards against outright falsehoods about election workers, voting equipment, and the electoral system.
Verma’s office pointed to growing concern over the influence of “manipulated media,” which can rapidly spread online.
Government officials maintain that public trust in the electoral process must be preserved.
