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In recently made public documents, the leading intelligence agency of a country has raised alarms over 'no consequences' for foreign state actor interference in their democratic processes. Based on recently obtained access-to-information documents, the country’s top spy agency has repeatedly expressed these concerns to high-level government officials, including the nation's Prime Minister.
A High-Reward, Low-Risk Endeavour
According to the documents prepared by the intelligence service, the lack of legal or political consequences for foreign interference makes it a low-risk high-reward endeavour for state actors. The agency's worries about state-sponsored foreign interference has escalated over the past four years, with a particular focus on alleged activities by Beijing.
In response to these pressing concerns, the intelligence agency has been focusing on delivering 'defensive briefings' to various politicians and staffers. The identified targets of alleged foreign interference efforts include not only federal, provincial and municipal governments but also academics and members of diaspora communities.
In recently made public documents, the leading intelligence agency of a country has raised alarms over 'no consequences' for foreign state actor interference in their democratic processes. Based on recently obtained access-to-information documents, the country’s top spy agency has repeatedly expressed these concerns to high-level government officials, including the nation's Prime Minister.
A High-Reward, Low-Risk Endeavour
According to the documents prepared by the intelligence service, the lack of legal or political consequences for foreign interference makes it a low-risk high-reward endeavour for state actors. The agency's worries about state-sponsored foreign interference has escalated over the past four years, with a particular focus on alleged activities by Beijing.
In response to these pressing concerns, the intelligence agency has been focusing on delivering 'defensive briefings' to various politicians and staffers. The identified targets of alleged foreign interference efforts include not only federal, provincial and municipal governments but also academics and members of diaspora communities.
Government's Response
A public safety official has stated that the current government has implemented several robust mechanisms to combat foreign interference since it assumed power. The plan is to further strengthen these mechanisms, including a national registry of foreign agents, while closely examining the recommendations made by an ethics committee on foreign interference.
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Prompted by accounts of foreign nations targeting this country's MPs and their families abroad, the ethics committee's report has given 22 recommendations. These include calls for the intelligence agency to release more relevant information to the public and for the government to impose penalties on all kinds of foreign interference operations including harassment and intimidation by a foreign state.
Increased Transparency on Foreign Interference
The documents present clear indications of the intelligence agency's attempts to communicate its concerns about foreign interference, particularly from Beijing, to top government officials. They painted a picture of foreign interference networks embedded in the country's internal affairs at all levels of government and present within the country's political and social fabric.
With foreign countries targeting influential personalities to gain support for their authoritarian regimes, there is also a concerning attempt to control diaspora communities and local language media for propagating their agendas and limiting political dissent.
Accusations of Foreign Meddling
There is also evidence that some foreign states are monitoring views expressed by students and academics, and in some cases, threatening retribution if those views are deemed inappropriate. The documents single out China for specifically targeting certain language media outlets and members of the respective diasporas in their foreign influence campaigns.
Earlier this year, there was a political uproar over alleged foreign meddling with media outlets publishing leaked intelligence reports. Officials, including top security figures, reiterated that there was no evidence of the results of the past two federal elections being compromised due to such interference. To delve into this issue further, a public inquiry has been initiated.
Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference
The appointed official to look into these allegations concluded in his report that while foreign interference is indeed a growing concern, the specific instances reported in the media were less potent than suggested. Notwithstanding the government's reassurances about the integrity of the recent federal elections, the official pointed to "serious shortcomings" in how intelligence is shared within government bodies.
However, partisan allegations surfaced against the official, questioning his close relationship with high-ranking government officials, undermining his attempts at ensuring trust in democratic institutions. The official subsequently resigned from his position. Despite his opposition to an inquiry, the government eventually called for a public inquiry to thoroughly probe the issue of foreign interference.
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