Canadian Digital Regulators Forum publishes paper on synthetic media to cap off second year of collaboration 


From: Competition Bureau Canada 



    
    News release


    

Canadian Digital Regulators Forum publishes paper on synthetic media to cap off second year of collaboration

September 18, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau


    

 

	
        
           

    

    
    
        
    



    Commissioner of Competition Matthew Boswell, Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne, Chairperson and CEO of the CRTC Vicky Eatrides, and Drew Olsen, Vice-Chair and CEO, Copyright Board of Canada meet in early spring to discuss Year Two successes and plan for Year Three.
    

       
    
    
        

    

September 18, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau 


The Canadian Digital Regulators Forum reached a major milestone in its second year of collaboration with the release of a paper exploring the impact of synthetic media – artificially generated images, video, text, or audio content, which includes deepfakes – on Canadians and Canadian organizations. 


The paper, titled “Synthetic media in the digital landscape,” provides an overview of: 
 
 the global regulatory landscape as it pertains to content that is produced using artificial intelligence (AI) or other automated technologies; and, 
 key considerations for individuals and organizations as the technology develops. 
 


The document summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of synthetic media through the lens of each member’s mandate –communications and broadcasting, competition, copyright, and privacy: 
 
 The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) explores how synthetic media provides new tools to Canadian creators to generate audio-visual and audio content and potentially reduce costs and increase accessibility. However, transparency in its adoption is required to continue to support the creative industries that contribute to the cultural vibrancy and diversity of Canada. 
 The Competition Bureau Canada looks at how the use of deepfakes to mislead and deceive the public may violate the Competition Act’s deceptive marketing practices and Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation provisions. As consumers face growing difficulty differentiating between synthetic and non-synthetic content, the Competition Bureau discusses how labelling is being studied as a strategy to address this issue. The Competition Bureau also presents an overview of three considerations for the development of synthetic media labels. 
 The Copyright Board of Canada delves into the rise in the creation and dissemination of generative AI content and how this is bringing new copyright considerations to the fore, such as authorship and fair remuneration. The Board looks at the policy and regulatory responses at the national and international levels. 
 The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) focuses on the ways in which personal information may be used in the creation of synthetic media, such as deepfakes, which often rely on personal information to replicate images accurately. The OPC also examines whether synthetic media outputs may be considered personal information under Canadian privacy law and affirms that any use of personal information in the creation of synthetic media is subject to requirements under Canada’s federal private sector privacy law.  
 


Other highlights 


The Chair of the Forum rotates between members. Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne served as Chair during Year Two, and officially transferred duties to CRTC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Vicky Eatrides in the spring. 


Priorities for Year Three include strengthening collaboration by hosting a workshop for stakeholders, and publishing a series of articles related to developments in digital markets. 


The Forum also published a report outlining its Year Two accomplishments and Year Three priorities: 
 
 Members spoke at various national and international events, including the International Association of Privacy Professionals’ Canadian Privacy Symposium and the Canadian Competition Summit hosted by the Competition Bureau. 
 Commissioner Dufresne shared remarks on synthetic media and deceptive design patterns during an event hosted by the International Network for Digital Regulation Cooperation (INDRC) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).  



    


	


    

    
        
        

        
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“The Canadian Digital Regulators Forum has enabled even greater collaboration between our organizations on important and emerging issues that impact most Canadians, and it was an honour to serve as Chair in its second year. Data is one of the most important resources of the 21st century – it can support and fuel innovation, and how it is managed shapes Canada’s ability to thrive and lead in the digital economy. Cross-regulatory collaboration is essential to better protect the rights and interests of Canadians and foster an environment for safe and responsible innovation.” 


Philippe Dufresne Privacy Commissioner of Canada
                    
                
            
        
				
                    
    			
                
                
                    
                        

"We are grateful for the strong leadership of the OPC over the past year, and the deep collaboration across the Forum. Together, we have made meaningful progress in Canada’s approach to digital regulation, and in the sectors we regulate. As we move into our third year, the CRTC looks forward to building off this important work by continuing to advance important policy discussions with the OPC, the Competition Bureau, the Copyright Board, and stakeholders, to ensure that our regulatory frameworks remain responsive and effective.”


Vicky Eatrides
Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC

                    
                
            
        
				
                    
    			
                
                
                    
                        

“I am thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Forum on this important publication. Consumers’ ability to make well-informed decisions is a vital part of a competitive marketplace—and a key consideration in an age of potentially deceptive synthetic media. We look forward to continuing to work with our regulatory partners on these emerging issues to position Canada for success in the digital age.” 


Matthew Boswell Commissioner of Competition
                    
                
            
        
				
                    
    			
                
                
                    
                        

“The publication of this paper represents a key milestone in exploring these important issues that connect our organizations and affect Canadians. I am delighted with the work accomplished by the Forum and with the inclusion and participation of the Board during this second year. I am excited about the prospects for collaboration and engagement in the coming year, especially in the context of a rapidly changing digital world that has a direct impact on Canadians.” 


Drew Olsen Vice-Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Copyright Board of Canada
                    
                
            
        

        
    
 

        
    
        
        

        


    

    
        Related products

        
            
                
                    Synthetic media in the digital landscape 
                
            
                
                    Canadian Digital Regulators Forum: Year Two in review and Year Three preview
                
            
                
                    Canadian Digital Regulators Forum
                
            
        

        
    





        
    
        
    Contacts


        
    

    
        

Media relations: 


Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canadacommunications@priv.gc.ca 


Competition Bureau Canadamedia-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca 


Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission 819-997-9403media@crtc.gc.ca 


Copyright Boardsecretariat@cb-cda.gc.ca 


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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.
    




    

    

    
	
    	
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           		news releases

Canadian Regulators Collaborate on Synthetic Media Insights

The Canadian Digital Regulators Forum has reached a significant milestone with the release of a paper titled “Synthetic media in the digital landscape.” This document explores the implications of synthetic media, including deepfakes, on Canadians and organizations.

The paper outlines the global regulatory landscape concerning content produced using artificial intelligence (AI) and automated technologies. It emphasizes the need for transparency and labeling to help consumers differentiate between synthetic and non-synthetic content, particularly in light of potential deceptive practices.

Each member of the Forum, including the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Competition Bureau, the Copyright Board, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, contributed insights based on their mandates. The CRTC highlighted the creative opportunities synthetic media offers, while the Competition Bureau raised concerns about misleading marketing practices. The Copyright Board discussed new copyright challenges, and the Privacy Commissioner focused on the implications for personal information.

Looking ahead, the Forum plans to strengthen collaboration through workshops and further publications, aiming to address the evolving landscape of digital regulation.



Canadian Regulators Collaborate on Synthetic Media Insights

The Canadian Digital Regulators Forum has published a paper on synthetic media, marking the end of its second year of collaboration, highlighting both the benefits and challenges posed by this technology.