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In January, a public inquiry into foreign election interference raised concerns about the threat of hostile nations, such as China and Russia, meddling in Canada’s democracy.

While these worries are well founded, Canadians should be equally concerned about the threat posed by our southern neighbour and erstwhile closest ally, the United States, whose tech companies control nearly all our digital public infrastructure, and whose leaders are increasingly aligned with a second Donald Trump administration which poses a direct threat to Canadian sovereignty.

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Throughout most of their history, the major social media platforms have generally reflected this democratic spirit, including strong attitudes toward freedom of expression and a general reticence against appearing politically partisan.

Increasing authoritarianism in the U.S.

But that era is now at an end and Canadians need to be clear-eyed about the danger that American social media platforms will abuse their enormous power and influence to undermine Canadian democracy.