People stroll by a sign for the All In artificial intelligence conference on September 28, 2023, in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
An American lawyer known for challenging former U.S. President Donald Trump is urging Canadians to stay alert when it comes to threats against political freedom and the growing power of artificial intelligence.
Mark Zaid, a prominent Washington-based attorney and speaker at the Web Summit in Vancouver, spoke candidly about the dangers he sees developing in the U.S. — and why Canada shouldn’t assume it’s safe from similar problems.
Zaid, who has taken legal action against Trump after having his security clearance revoked, believes Canada is at risk of experiencing the same political pressures now shaping American society. He pointed out that the two countries are deeply connected — in values, systems, and even their democratic challenges.
"Canadians need to stay sharp. What’s happening in the U.S. doesn’t stop at the border," he warned.
Zaid co-founded Whistleblower Aid, an organization that protects individuals who expose government wrongdoing. He gained national attention for representing the whistleblower who triggered the first impeachment proceedings against Trump. It was shortly after this high-profile case that Trump and his allies removed Zaid’s access to classified information — a move Zaid claims was politically motivated.
Now, he’s taking Trump and others to court to challenge that decision.
But Zaid’s concern isn’t just about politics; he’s also sounding the alarm about artificial intelligence. According to him, AI tools are now at the center of political change — being used not only to spread misinformation but also to monitor or silence voices of dissent.
He believes AI could be used in two dangerous ways: either as a weapon to target people who speak out, or as a tool to hide the truth.
“Artificial intelligence is shaping how we live and what we believe,” Zaid said. “It can expose lies, or it can be used to cover them up.”
His warning to Canadians was clear: don’t be passive. He advised tech leaders and citizens alike to ask questions, demand transparency, and think critically about how technology is influencing public life.
Zaid even revealed he didn’t bring his cellphone when crossing the Canadian border. He feared it might be searched or taken upon his return to the U.S., a sign of how much he mistrusts the current political environment.
During his talk in Vancouver, he encouraged Canadians to protect their democratic freedoms while they still can. In his view, the wave of political suppression and tech misuse seen in the U.S. could easily find its way into Canadian society if people aren’t paying attention.
