Federal government opens public consultation on AI transparency and bot identification

The federal government launched a public consultation this week asking Canadians what meaningful AI transparency should look like, focusing on identifying artificial intelligence systems and disclosing their capabilities and limits.

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon posted that the government wants feedback on questions about spotting AI content and recognizing online interactions with AI systems. The consultation wraps up September 23.

The effort includes examining how to improve public access to information about AI systems—what they can do, what they cannot, and where they fail. The government is also exploring ways to track serious AI-related incidents and better identify AI agents at work in digital spaces.

The consultation comes as AI tools proliferate across Canadian workplaces and consumer platforms, raising questions about disclosure and public trust. HighOnCity previously reported that Ottawa businesses are already using AI to scale exports and manage operations, and that a local firm is helping small businesses navigate regulatory compliance gaps around the technology.

The government has not specified what rules or requirements it is considering for AI transparency, nor when those decisions will be finalized. Details on how the framework will differ between private companies and government use of AI remain unclear.