Global Affairs Canada has announced the successful completion of the first-ever G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Digital Transnational Repression Detection Academy, held in Toronto from October 27 to 31, 2025. The program marks a major step in the G7’s coordinated effort to counter foreign authoritarian influence, digital intimidation, and online harassment targeting diaspora communities and political activists across member nations.
The academy, which was formally announced at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis earlier this year, brought together government officials, cybersecurity specialists, and civil society partners for an intensive week of training. The sessions were delivered by the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, an organisation known globally for its investigative work on disinformation, cyber threats, and online manipulation.
Officials say the program focused on equipping G7 partners with advanced tools and investigative techniques to detect and respond to digital repression carried out by state and non-state actors. Topics included coordinated harassment campaigns, spyware attacks, cross-border intimidation, and the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence to surveil or silence dissidents.
Global Affairs Canada said hosting the academy reflects Canada’s commitment to defending democratic values and protecting vulnerable communities from foreign interference. “Digital transnational repression is an evolving threat,” a senior official said. “By strengthening cooperation among G7 countries, we are building a more resilient defence against those who seek to undermine human rights and democratic institutions.”
Participants also examined recent global cases of digital repression and simulated response scenarios, developing shared protocols that G7 members can deploy when confronting cross-border intimidation.
Experts say the new academy demonstrates growing international recognition that threats once confined to physical borders now operate freely online — and require coordinated multinational action.
With the Toronto program now complete, the RRM partners are expected to continue joint work on monitoring digital attacks and improving early-warning systems ahead of future elections and geopolitical flashpoints.