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Brief Overview

Executive Summary

This report examines the escalating threat of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) in the digital age. It highlights how disinformation exploits the convergence of cyber power, private-sector platforms, and geopolitical competition. Drawing lessons from cybersecurity frameworks, it calls for multi-stakeholder governance, international coalitions, and open-source intelligence partnerships to counter malign influence campaigns. Case studies, including Russia’s Doppelganger operation, illustrate the costs, challenges, and partial successes of current countermeasures. The report concludes that securing democratic information integrity requires resilient digital infrastructure, regulatory innovation, and genuine public–private collaboration.

About the Author

Dave McMahon is a member of the Policy Insights Forum Selection Committee with over 35 years of experience in cyber defence, security, and intelligence. He holds an honours degree in computer engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada and has authored numerous publications throughout his career. Dave has held senior roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, CSIS, and CSE, and has advised Senate committees, the Privacy Commissioner, and intelligence review bodies. Currently CEO of Clairvoyance Cyber Corp and Chair of the Cyber Council for CADSI, he is recognized for applying data science and anticipatory intelligence to complex security challenges.