EDITORIAL CONTENT:
Canadians Don't Trust AI. Here's How to Fix That.
Canada's government wants Canadians to adopt artificial intelligence, but many remain deeply skeptical. In this video, Taylor Owen (Founding Director of the Centre) explores the growing gap between public trust and government ambition when it comes to AI—and what it will take to close it. This gap led to the creation of Canada's AI Strategy Task Force, to which Taylor Owen was appointed in September 2025. The focus of his work was to answer a question that a lot of Canadians have right now: How do we actually make this technology safe? Drawing on real-world examples, recent lawsuits and lessons learned from the rise of social media, Owen argues that concerns about AI reflect issues of consumer safety and accountability, rather than simply a lack of literacy or training. He examines how unregulated AI systems have already caused harm, particularly to youth and vulnerable users. This isn't an argument for a sweeping AI law. But if the government wants Canadians to use AI, then they need to make sure it's safe. You can read Taylor Owen's full AI Task Force memo on governance, safety and trust, here: https://www.mediatechdemocracy.com/all-work/taylorowenaitaskforcememo
Media Ecosystem Observatory
MEO-CDMRN Election Monitoring and Response
April 2025
Description:
As the spread of information manipulation increases, protecting the integrity of our information ecosystem is more important than ever.
This is why the Canadian Digital Media Research Network (CDMRN) and its collaborators, led by the Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO), are actively monitoring and responding to information manipulation during the 45 election period.
Here is how we do it.
Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy / Paradigms
Did we miss the real tech threat to our kids?
January 2025
Description:
Taylor Owen, the director of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, explains the new approach Canada needs to take to protect kids online in the AI era. He addresses the shortcomings and strengths of Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act; and outlines a clear path forward that goes beyond social media regulation to making digital spaces safer for the next generation.
How Disinformation is Threatening Canada's Democracy
February 2025
Description:
Disinformation is the greatest threat to our democracy, according to the findings of Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, the commissioner of Canada's public inquiry into foreign interference. But what even prompted the Foreign Interference Commission? What are the key takeaways from Justice Hogue's final report on Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions? And how does America — specifically President Donald Trump, Elon Musk and social media platforms — affect Canada's information ecosystem and, ultimately, our country's sovereignty? Taylor Owen, the director of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy, explains