Surge in Online Hate Against Sikhs in Canada Linked to Foreign Interference
Coordinated online attacks against Sikhs increasing worldwide.
Ottawa, Canada – Online hate against the Sikh community in Canada have reached unprecedented levels, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of one of the country's most vibrant and essential cultural groups. This surge in hostility is reportedly driven by interference from foreign entities, particularly the Indian government, with numerous fake profiles masquerading as right-wing Canadians to fuel the animosity.
Recent reports from cybersecurity experts and social media analysts indicate that a significant portion of the online hate speech targeting Sikhs originates from fake accounts. These profiles, posing as Sikhs and Canadian nationals with far-right ideologies, have been systematically spreading misinformation and inciting violence against the Sikh community.
Investigations have pointed towards the involvement of the Indian government in this online hate campaign. The strained relations between the Indian state and Sikh activists, particularly those advocating for Khalistan—a separate Sikh state—have spilled over into the diaspora. By leveraging digital platforms, these malicious actors aim to discredit Sikh movements and leaders abroad.
A new report by Benjamin Strick of Centre for Information Resilience
Report states that A network that labels Sikh activists as "extremists" and seeks to undermine calls for Sikh independence has resurfaced on social media, despite previous takedowns in November 2021. The Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR) has uncovered signs of coordination among these fake accounts, which are designed to appear credible and authentic.
This influence operation involves profiles pretending to be Sikhs, using the same identities across Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These accounts employ images of real people, including Punjabi celebrities, and post identical content across platforms. Manipulated images, memes, videos, and lengthy hashtags are common.
Despite the suspension of similar accounts in November 2021, new accounts have been created since December 2021. The network consists of at least 53 identities and over 100 accounts, with follower counts ranging from 1,000 to 10,000, indicating a significant effort to appear authentic.
The network's primary aim is to discredit Sikh activists and the Sikh independence movement, known as the "Khalistan" movement. This movement calls for a sovereign Sikh state in Punjab, India. The fake accounts label activists as extremists and promote narratives aligning with the Indian government's stance.
Prominent activists, such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who was the target of a foiled assassination plot in 2023, are frequently trolled. The network also targets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleging that Canada harbors "Khalistani extremists."
The network's accounts share traits like uniform creation dates, similar posting times, and the use of manipulated images. For instance, one account posted a manipulated photo showing a Sikh person holding a sign against Khalistan, which was originally about the killing of a Sikh activist.
This investigation reveals the sophisticated efforts to stifle dissent and shape public perception through coordinated influence operations, emphasizing the necessity for continuous efforts to safeguard the digital landscape from such malign influences.
Canadian MP Chandra Arya recently had come under fire for remarks perceived as demonizing Sikhs by using "Khalistan" as a dog whistle. Arya stated that "Khalistanis in Canada continue to reach new lows in abusing our Charter of Rights and Freedoms by promoting violence and hate," referencing a recent Brampton parade that depicted the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. He claimed this parade, which lacked criticism from elected officials, has emboldened calls for violence against Indian diplomats. Arya further warned, "It is only a question of time when they bite to kill," likening the activists to "snakes in our backyard." His comments have sparked significant backlash, with critics accusing him of using divisive rhetoric to target the Sikh community. Chandra Arya's remarks about "snakes in our backyard" imply a need for urgent action against the perceived threat and its removal.
The rise in online hate has tangible repercussions for Canadian Sikhs. Incidents of hate crimes and discrimination have seen a marked increase, with community members expressing fear for their safety. As the situation escalates, there is a growing call for action from both the Canadian government and social media platforms. Community leaders are urging policymakers to implement stricter regulations on hate speech and take a firm stance against foreign interference.