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Spy watchdog reviewing Canadian security agencies' use of artificial intelligence

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has launched an examination of AI use in national security, notifying Prime Minister Mark Carney and Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon, reported Jan. 1, 2026.
Given its statutory mandate, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency can access classified and privileged information held by departments, except cabinet confidences, and Marie Deschamps said, `This review may also include independent inspections of some technical systems` to identify potential gaps or risks.
Canadian security agencies already deploy AI for operational tasks, including document translation and malware detection, while the Communications Security Establishment says secure AI use can speed data analysis and improve decisions.
Federal principles stress openness and early risk assessment as the National Security Transparency Advisory Group predicts growing AI use, raising governance stakes for public officials developing or using AI.
The review also reached agencies outside traditional security roles, while CSIS and the CSE flagged limits on disclosure and the RCMP said external review is critical for public trust.

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