Canada Opens AI Transparency Consultation Over Chatbots and Deepfakes
The consultation gives special attention to AI agents. These systems can book meetings, send emails, complete forms, and make purchases. The government wants to know when agents should identify themselves to people and businesses. It also asks how users can track automated actions.
One example describes an agent that misreads a monthly shopping instruction. Instead of buying one package, it orders 12. The paper says responsibility may be unclear among the user, system operator, and original developer. Officials are examining how companies should record such transactions.
They are also studying how AI agents interact with other automated systems. Possible rules may cover permissions, human oversight, transaction records, and identity disclosure.
Meanwhile, Ottawa is advancing other measures linked to AI use. A digital safety bill would require platforms to label synthetic content that appears real.
A separate privacy bill would require organizations to explain automated decision-making in major personal matters. These decisions could include employment, credit, or access to services.
Another law passed in June criminalizes non-consensual sexual deepfakes. The government has also proposed rules addressing AI-generated election misinformation. The consultation supports Canada’s ‘AI for All’ strategy, launched on June 4, 2026. Protecting Canadians and democratic systems forms part of that plan.
The government plans to publish a ‘What We Heard’ report after the consultation closes. Public submissions may also appear online.
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