Canada’s Spy Watchdog Investigates AI Use in National Security

Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) is conducting a comprehensive examination of how artificial intelligence (AI) is utilized within national security activities. This review aims to assess the governance and implementation of AI technologies across various security agencies in Canada.

In a recent communication to key federal ministers and heads of national security organizations, NSIRA Chair Marie Deschamps detailed the scope of the study. It will investigate the definitions, applications, and oversight of AI within the security community. This encompasses the use of AI for tasks ranging from document translation to malware detection.

Focus on Transparency and Accountability

The agency’s review intends to provide valuable insights, guiding future evaluations of AI usage and identifying potential risks or gaps that may need addressing. In her letter, Deschamps emphasized that the agency holds the statutory right to access all information held by the departments and agencies under review, including classified materials, barring cabinet confidences.

The letter was disseminated to multiple cabinet members, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon, and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, among others. It also reached agency heads from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE).

Some of the agencies receiving the letter may not immediately be associated with security but play significant roles, such as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The RCMP has publicly stated its support for independent examinations of national security, asserting that transparent, accountable processes are vital for maintaining public trust.

Recommendations and Future Directions

A report from the National Security Transparency Advisory Group in 2024 urged Canada’s security agencies to provide detailed accounts of their AI applications. The group noted that the reliance on AI technologies is set to increase, particularly for tasks requiring the analysis of extensive text and imagery to identify patterns and trends.

CSIS and CSE have acknowledged the necessity for transparency regarding AI usage, although they also noted security constraints on what can be publicly disclosed. The federal government has established principles governing AI use, focusing on openness about deployment methods and the early assessment of risks that AI may pose to legal rights and democratic norms.

In its latest annual report, CSIS indicated it is implementing AI pilot programs in alignment with these guiding principles. The RCMP outlines several factors that ensure AI is utilized legally and ethically, including system design to prevent bias, respect for privacy, and accountability measures.

The CSE’s strategy outlines its commitment to harnessing AI and machine learning to tackle critical challenges while promoting responsible AI use. CSE Chief Caroline Xavier emphasized that the agency will adopt AI thoughtfully, ensuring that accountability and responsibility remain at the core of its operations.

As this review unfolds, it highlights Canada’s commitment to evaluating the integration of advanced technologies in national security while ensuring that ethical considerations and public trust remain paramount.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 1, 2026.