# The next American threat you might not see coming Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAhPvXJRyYA Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/zAhPvXJRyYA Generated: 2026-01-29T17:49:37.697+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview The primary threat looming over Canada, as discussed by experts, is the increasing influence of US-based social media platforms and generative AI, which are being used to spread targeted disinformation and fuel internal divisions, such as the Alberta separatism movement, potentially leading to widespread instability and complicating national sovereignty. **Key Points:** - US-based social media platforms and generative AI create a 'new Canada-U.S. frontline' by spreading targeted disinformation. - The Alberta separatism movement, fueled by online narratives, is shown with supporters gathering signatures for a referendum (00:34). - Canadian news availability online has seen a dramatic decline (down to around 20% in early 2025) following Meta's news ban (Aug 1, 2023) and X's deprioritization of links (Nov 24, 2024). - Experts like Brian McQuinn (University of Regina) note that the US is a primary source of disinformation targeting Canada, citing examples like Russia, China, and India. - The rise of 'influencers' (reaching over 70% online availability) is replacing traditional news media as the primary information source for many Canadians. - The current political discourse, exemplified by former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney's speech at Davos (06:51), lacks a 'third path' to manage the conflict between US influence and Canadian sovereignty. - Social media platforms are almost completely agnostic to the truth, rewarding engagement (clicks) over factual accuracy. ![Screenshot at 00:00: Opening shot of Scott Bessent being interviewed on Real America's Voice, establishing the political context of the discussion.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/zAhPvXJRyYA/00-00-00.jpg) **Context:** This video segment explores the escalating influence of foreign—primarily American—digital platforms and technology, like generative AI, on Canadian internal politics and information consumption. It features an interview with Scott Bessent, United States Secretary of the Treasury (though misidentified in the chyron as Bessent, the context suggests a political/economic figure), and commentary from reporter Eli Glasner, academic Brian McQuinn, and journalist Justin Ling, focusing specifically on how online disinformation is impacting Canadian unity, particularly regarding the Alberta separation movement. ## Detailed Analysis The video investigates the increasing digital conflict on the Canada-U.S. border, where US-controlled social media platforms and generative AI are identified as significant vectors for disinformation aimed at Canada. Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney is shown speaking at the World Economic Forum (06:51), highlighting the need for Canada to chart a 'third path' to avoid being pulled into an American-centric geopolitical or informational orbit. Experts confirm that the US is a major source of disinformation targeting Canada, and the increasing polarization is evident in movements like Alberta separatism, which is being promoted online (00:34). Data from The Digital Media Research Network shows that Canadian news availability online plummeted after Meta implemented its news ban on August 1, 2023, falling from over 40% to below 20% by early 2025, while influencer content surged to over 70% availability. This shift means Canadians increasingly get information from sources that prioritize engagement (clicks) over truth, making it difficult for researchers to track and for Canadians to discern reality, posing an existential threat to Canadian digital sovereignty. ### Alberta Separatism Movement - Scott Bessent suggests letting Albertans come down into the US as Alberta is a natural partner - Pro-independence sentiment is fueled by conservative narratives against 'liberals and socialists' - Supporters gathered signatures for a referendum (00:34). ### Digital Information Landscape - Canadian news availability online dropped sharply after Meta's news ban (Aug 1, 2023) and X's link deprioritization (Nov 24, 2024) - Influencer content availability has risen sharply, replacing traditional news sources - Social media platforms are almost completely agnostic to truth, rewarding engagement. ### US Influence and Disinformation - Brian McQuinn states the US is a primary source of disinformation targeting Canada, along with Russia, China, and India - The US has an active and financially lucrative 'creator market' for disinformation - This creates a vulnerability where Canada's digital infrastructure and political discourse are heavily influenced by US priorities. ### Expert Commentary & Implications - Mark Carney spoke at Davos (06:51) about the need for Canada to define its own path separate from US/China rivalry - Researchers find it increasingly difficult to track this disinformation - The risk is that Canadian political identity and democratic foundations become compromised. ![Screenshot at 00:08: A split screen shows Scott Bessent interviewing on Real America's Voice, with a graphic highlighting the 'Human Events' program logo.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/zAhPvXJRyYA/00-00-08.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:28: A crowd of people are lined up outside a building in winter conditions, seemingly participating in an event related to the Alberta separation movement.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/zAhPvXJRyYA/00-00-28.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:41: A screenshot of a tweet from a 'Barron Trump' commentary account explicitly supporting Alberta's independence talk and suggesting America would welcome them.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/zAhPvXJRyYA/00-00-41.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:46: A BBC Newsnight panel discussion featuring three individuals, including Republican Representative Andy Ogles, discussing the situation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/zAhPvXJRyYA/00-00-46.jpg) ![Screenshot at 04:45: A line graph sourced from The Digital Media Research Network illustrates the sharp decline in 'Canadian news availability online' following Meta's news ban in August 2023 and X's link deprioritization in late 2024, contrasted with rising 'Influencers' availability.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/zAhPvXJRyYA/00-04-45.jpg)