CDMRN
Canadian Digital Media Research Network
A pan-Canadian network of research labs studying the digital information environment, coordinated by MEO and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Funded by
Global Affairs Canada
Coordinated by
Media Ecosystem Observatory, McGill University
About the Network
The Canadian Digital Media Research Network (CDMRN) brings together leading Canadian research institutions to study, monitor, and build resilience against information threats in Canada’s digital ecosystem.
Our Mission
To strengthen Canada’s capacity to understand, detect, and respond to information threats through collaborative research, shared infrastructure, and rapid-response monitoring.
Member Organizations
Network Coordinator
Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO)
McGill University, Max Bell School of Public Policy / University of Toronto, Munk School
Coordinates the CDMRN. Led by Taylor Owen (PI) and Aengus Bridgman (Director). Based at McGill with partnership at U of T Munk School.
Member Organization
DisinfoWatch
Independent
Leading Canadian foreign disinformation monitoring and debunking platform, sourcing data through an international network of journalists, civil society organizations, and analysts.
Member Organization
Social Media Lab
Ted Rogers School of Management, Toronto Metropolitan University
Studies how social media affects communication, information dissemination, and community formation.
Member Organization
Digital Democracies Institute
Simon Fraser University
Combats echo chambers, abusive language, discriminatory algorithms, and misinformation. Led by Wendy Hui Kyong Chun (Canada 150 Research Chair in New Media).
Member Organization
The Dais
Toronto Metropolitan University
Public policy and leadership think tank.
Member Organization
Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI)
University of British Columbia
Evidence-based research on strengthening democracy in digital contexts.
Member Organization
Digital Society Lab
McMaster University
Specializes in misinformation detection algorithms, technology adoption attitudes, and internet governance.
Member Organization
UNESCO-PREV Chair
McMaster University
Prevention of violent radicalization and extremism.
Member Organization
Canadian Network on Information and Security (CANIS)
University of Calgary
Focuses on information environment impacts on Canadian defense and security.
Member Organization
Pol Comm Tech Lab
University of Ottawa
Led by Dr. Elizabeth Dubois. Six research areas including political harassment, journalism innovation, and political bots.
Member Organization
First Nations University of Canada
First Nations University of Canada
First Nations-controlled post-secondary institution focused on cultural preservation and education.
CDMRN Information Incidents
Information incidents declared and tracked by the CDMRN with full lifecycle monitoring.
Ripple Effects of the Charlie Kirk Assassination in the Canadian Information Ecosystem
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The incident sparked highly charged and polarized online conversations, disinformation, and calls for political violence in both American and Canadian information environments. Foreign state actors (Russia, China, Iran) exploited the tragedy. CDMRN tracked the incident across 8 updates and a final debrief.
AI-Generated Scams Mimicking Real News
Surge in AI-generated advertisements masquerading as legitimate Canadian news sources (particularly CBC and CTV), linked to cryptocurrency scams. Ads originated from multiple countries (Iceland, Czechia, India, US) targeting Canadian audiences with politically charged, divisive content during the 2025 federal election. Increased in volume, political nature, and sophistication over the election period.
Russian Funding of US and Canadian Political Influencers
The US Department of Justice indicted two Russian nationals on September 4, 2024, for funding Tenet Media — a network controlled by Canadian influencer Lauren Chen and her husband Liam Donovan. They allegedly accepted nearly $10 million USD from Russian state media outlet RT to spread Kremlin propaganda. The network posted over 2,000 videos on YouTube accumulating 16+ million views. CDMRN tracked across 8 updates and a final debrief.
Kirkland Lake Bot Campaign
Following a Pierre Poilievre rally in Kirkland Lake, Ontario on July 31, 2024, hundreds of posts from over 100 suspicious accounts appeared on X on August 3, praising the rally with similar language. Many accounts were recently created and based outside Canada. Investigation concluded it was likely the work of a single amateur actor using low-quality AI-generated content, not a coordinated institutional effort.
CDMRN Tools & Innovations
Tools and data products developed within the CDMRN network.
PIER: Program on Information Ecosystem Resilience
Innovative research initiative designed to help civil society, government, media, and institutions prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from information incidents while building ecosystem resilience. Uses the disaster and emergency management cycle as its foundation, encompassing prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases.
Digital Threat Tipline
Public-facing platform for reporting misleading information and media content. Available in English and French. Allows Canadians to report fake news, manipulated stories, misleading images/videos, and suspicious deceptive content. All tips are reviewed by the CDMRN team.
SitRep Interactive Dashboard
Interactive dashboard presenting monthly data on the state of the information ecosystem related to politics, media, and democracy. Allows users to explore threats, vulnerabilities, and the state of engagement with news, news outlets, and politicians over time. Enhances understanding of stable and dynamic dimensions of the Canadian Information Ecosystem (CIE).
Canadian Online Monthly Media Survey (COMM Survey)
Longitudinal study of Canadian attitudes and behaviours related to the digital and political information ecosystem. Administered monthly in both official languages to a minimum of 1,500 Canadians reflecting 2021 Census demographics. Developed by PEARL at U of T Munk School, fielded with Leger Marketing.
Digital Trace Data Infrastructure
Systematic collection of digital trace data from major social networks for monitoring and analyzing the Canadian information ecosystem. Tracks entities including politicians, news outlets, and influencers across multiple platforms.
Incident Response Protocol
Formal protocol outlining the process used to identify and respond to information incidents in the Canadian information ecosystem. Includes response thresholds and rapid assessment/triage processes for election periods. Published as a public PDF (v2).
Coalition for Information Ecosystem Resilience
Multi-stakeholder collaborative network anchored by MEO, designed to safeguard Canada's information ecosystem during elections and beyond. Over 20 organizations participate. Four core functions: Monitor & Detect, Respond, Amplify, and Educate & Build Awareness.
CDMRN Publications
View all →Research publications produced under the CDMRN mandate.
Incident Debrief: Ripple Effects of the Charlie Kirk Assassination in the Canadian Information Ecosystem
Incident Update 8: Foreign State Creators' Response to the Charlie Kirk Assassination
Incident Update 7: Canadians' Views on Political Violence and Freedom of Expression: Reality, Risks, and Misperceptions
Incident Update 6: Canadians' Awareness, Beliefs, and Reactions to the Charlie Kirk Shooting
Incident Update 5: Mapping Controversial and Polarized Claims Following the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Incident Update 4: Shockwaves on TikTok: Understanding the International Reaction to the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Media Ecosystem Observatory
Learn more about MEO