Online disinformation tied to Alberta separatism movement: report

Researchers say online disinformation tied to Alberta separatism is increasing as the province moves closer to a possible referendum vote.

A report by DisinfoWatch published Wednesday says the content is being amplified by Russian-linked websites and U.S. social media influencers, including Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, Benny Johnson and Tim Pool.

“This matters because influencers increasingly command more attention than traditional institutions and can move fringe narratives into mainstream political debate,” reads the report.

The material often claims the province is being exploited economically and suggests independence has broad public and foreign support.

The report says around four in five respondents consider it at least somewhat inappropriate for U.S. political figures to express support for Alberta separatist movements.

However, it then goes to report that nearly one in five Canadians say they do not know whether politicians are taking the separatism threat seriously.

Alberta’s government says it hasn’t seen any reliable evidence proving foreign interference is directly influencing the separatist movement.

With files from The Canadian Press.

WATCH MORE: Political analyst discusses the seriousness behind Alberta’s referendum idea