AI tools shaping debate ahead of Alberta’s independence referendum, study finds

The Media Ecosystem Observatory released a report documenting the expanding role of artificial-intelligence chatbots and social-media influencers in the online conversation surrounding Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum on independence and related constitutional reforms. Queries posed to AI systems such as ChatGPT and Google AI produced inconsistent answers about tax and pension impacts, despite unchanged underlying facts. The study found a disproportionate amount of pro-separation content, much generated by influencers and foreign creators seeking financial gain, while federalist voices are less visible.

Elections Alberta cautioned that AI tools are not official election information sources and frequently cite incorrect data. Premier Danielle Smith said the government is countering misinformation with a traditional-media campaign and mailed voter booklets, a move opposition leader Naheed Nenshi called propaganda. Academics like Blair Attard-Frost warned that AI-generated misinformation and limited media literacy could affect the referendum outcome.