Four of Quebec’s largest political parties announced on Monday that they will adhere to a newly introduced code of conduct governing the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigning. The Quebec Liberal Party, Coalition Avenir Québec, Parti Québécois and Québec solidaire all signed the pledge, signalling a coordinated response to mounting worries about AI’s influence on the province’s electoral process.
The code, presented earlier this week, sets out rules for how parties may employ AI tools such as deep‑fakes, automated content generation and data‑driven targeting during the campaign period. Its aim is to protect voters from misinformation and to preserve the integrity of the democratic contest. The parties’ joint commitment follows a broader public debate sparked by recent incidents in which AI‑generated material raised questions about authenticity and fairness in political communication.
Catherine Régis, a senior researcher with the Institute for Data Valorisation (IVADO), highlighted the importance of transparent standards. While no specific statements from her were quoted, her involvement with IVADO underscores the technical expertise behind the code’s development. IVADO’s role in the initiative reflects the growing partnership between academic institutions and political actors in addressing digital challenges.
By endorsing the code, the parties agree to audit any AI‑driven content they disseminate, label synthetic media clearly, and refrain from using AI to manipulate voter sentiment covertly. The agreement also includes provisions for reporting violations to an independent oversight body, which will monitor compliance throughout the election cycle.
The move comes as Quebec grapples with concerns that unchecked AI use could erode public trust and distort electoral outcomes. Officials hope that a unified stance by the major parties will set a precedent for responsible digital campaigning and encourage other groups to adopt similar safeguards.
If the parties uphold the code, Quebec could become a model for integrating AI ethics into the political arena, balancing technological innovation with democratic safeguards.