Beware the Bots: Disinformation Tactics in the Final Days of the Ontario Election
Feb 24 2025
We’re in the final stretch of the Ontario provincial election and you can bet disinformation is about to flood our social media feeds. Bots, bad actors, and coordinated networks will be working overtime to spread misleading narratives and muddy the waters. Over the next four days, it’s more important than ever to keep a sharp eye on what’s real and what’s designed to confuse, divide, or suppress voter engagement.
The Disinformation Playbook
Disinformation campaigns have become a predictable feature of modern elections. The last few days before voting day are especially vulnerable—there’s barely time to fact-check before falsehoods spread like wildfire. Here’s what we should be watching for:
1. Fake Polls and False Momentum – Watch out for last-minute polls that seem too good (or bad) to be true. The goal? To manipulate voter confidence and turnout.
2. Deepfake and Edited Videos – AI-powered deception is on the rise. Videos can be altered or taken out of context to mislead voters about where candidates stand.
3. Fake Grassroots Movements – If a social media trend seems to explode out of nowhere, take a closer look. Bots and paid actors are often behind these so-called "organic" campaigns.
4. Voter Suppression Tactics – Expect misinformation about voting locations, times, and eligibility, particularly targeting communities expected to vote a certain way.
5. Inflammatory Misinformation – Outrage is a powerful tool. Bad actors will push extreme, sensationalized claims to drive division and distraction.
While these tactics are becoming more sophisticated, we don’t have to fall for them.
Here’s how to fight back.
Pause Before You Share – If something seems shocking or urgent, take a beat. Check reputable sources like Elections Ontario or trusted news outlets.
Watch for Patterns – If you’re seeing identical posts pop up across multiple accounts within minutes, it’s likely part of a coordinated campaign.
Check the Source – Bot accounts are often brand new, have minimal followers, and post exclusively on one topic.
Stay Focused on the Facts – Disinformation is designed to provoke emotion over reason. If it’s making you angry, it’s worth double-checking.
Report and Block – If you see accounts pushing blatant falsehoods, report them and encourage others to do the same.
Disinformation isn’t just about online chatter—it’s about shaping outcomes and influencing democracy.
The good news? Informed voters can cut through the noise. So let’s keep our eyes open, fact-check before we share, and make sure that when we head to the polls, we’re doing so with clarity and confidence.
Elections should be decided by real voices, not by bots and bad actors.
Stay sharp, Etobicoke!