Manitoba Set to Pass Bill Banning Deepfakes and Misinformation During Election Campaigns

In a significant move to combat election misinformation, Manitoba legislators are poised to pass groundbreaking legislation today that would ban deepfake videos and other forms of election disinformation before the current legislative session concludes.

The bill introduces substantial penalties for those who spread false information about political candidates, including a fine of up to $20,000 per day if the misleading content is not promptly removed after notification.

Deepfake videos—sophisticated digital manipulations often created using artificial intelligence that can convincingly alter a person’s appearance or actions—have become an increasing concern for electoral integrity across North America. These manipulations are particularly troubling as they can be difficult for average viewers to identify as false.

Beyond regulating deepfakes, the legislation also targets those who intentionally spread misinformation about voter eligibility requirements, misrepresent the conduct of election officials, or distribute false information about ballot providers and vote-counting equipment—all critical elements of electoral infrastructure that rely on public trust to function effectively.

The bill represents a proactive approach to addressing a growing challenge in modern elections, where digital technology has made the creation and distribution of misleading content increasingly sophisticated and widespread.

Manitoba’s Chief Electoral Officer recommended these changes, which were first introduced to the legislature in March after consultations with electoral experts. The timing of the bill reflects growing concerns across Canada about the potential for misinformation to disrupt democratic processes, a concern that has intensified following instances of electoral misinformation in recent elections worldwide.

Election integrity experts have long warned that deepfakes and coordinated misinformation campaigns represent a significant threat to public confidence in democratic institutions. By establishing clear penalties and enforcement mechanisms, Manitoba aims to create a deterrent against the most damaging forms of election misinformation.

The province’s approach aligns with efforts in other jurisdictions that have begun implementing similar protections against technology-enabled electoral manipulation. However, Manitoba’s daily fine structure represents one of the more aggressive enforcement mechanisms seen in Canadian electoral law to date.

Also scheduled for a final vote today is legislation that would implement various tax changes announced in the provincial government’s spring budget. The simultaneous passage of these bills highlights the legislature’s push to complete key policy objectives before the current session ends.

Political analysts note that today’s votes mark the conclusion of an active legislative period for Manitoba’s NDP government, which has prioritized several progressive policy initiatives since taking office.

The legislature is expected to reconvene later this month with a throne speech that will outline the government’s policy agenda for the upcoming year. Sources familiar with the planning suggest that electoral reform, economic development, and healthcare investments will likely feature prominently in the government’s forthcoming priorities.

The anti-misinformation legislation comes at a time when Canadian provinces are increasingly grappling with how to safeguard electoral processes against evolving technological threats while preserving free speech protections. Legal experts suggest Manitoba’s approach will be closely watched by other provinces considering similar measures.

As artificial intelligence technologies become more accessible and sophisticated, electoral authorities across Canada have expressed growing concern about their potential misuse in future election cycles, making Manitoba’s legislative action particularly timely.