CBC Technology Columnist
Francis Syms is a regular contributor to CBC News across television, radio, and digital platforms, called on to explain what technology and energy actually mean for Canadians. Every two weeks, he speaks to 28 CBC Radio stations across the country as part of a national syndicate segment, and his appearances span programs and communities from coast to coast to coast, covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, clean energy transition, nuclear energy, data infrastructure, and the fraud and surveillance technologies reshaping everyday life.
The range reflects something deliberate. These aren't conversations happening only in Toronto or Ottawa. Producers from Cape Breton to Vancouver, and north to Iqaluit and Yellowknife, have brought Francis in because the questions he addresses, about AI risks, grid reliability, nuclear power, energy sovereignty, digital safety, and the ethics of emerging technology, matter in every community, not just in policy circles.
His work with CBC includes live television panels, radio interviews on flagship programs, and commentary published on CBC.ca. Whether the topic is a federal AI regulation, a spike in payment scams targeting Canadians, the future of Canada's electricity grid, the role of nuclear in the clean energy mix, or the arrival of humanoid robots in the Canadian workforce, Francis translates the complexity into something a general audience can actually use.
Not every interview makes it to the web. Some of those that do are posted here
Video Interviews
Privacy Regulators Say OpenAI collected Canadian Personal Data
Privacy Regulators Say OpenAI collected Canadian Personal Data
Privacy Regulators Say OpenAI collected Canadian Personal Data
My interview was included on The National with respect to the Privacy Commissioners report that OpenAI breached Canadian Privacy Law. The story starts at 12:14 (as the link has the whole episode)
May 06 2026
Rising number of scams now use AI, Toronto police warn
Privacy Regulators Say OpenAI collected Canadian Personal Data
Privacy Regulators Say OpenAI collected Canadian Personal Data
As artificial intelligence advances, scams are becoming harder to detect. CBC’s Ali Chiasson speaks with Toronto police and tech experts about how fraudsters are using personal data and AI to trick victims — and what you can do to protect yourself.
Mar 11 2026
Class Action Lawsuits and Fraud
Privacy Regulators Say OpenAI collected Canadian Personal Data
Canadians falling victim to scams that come right to your door
Ian Hanomansing speaks to Francis Syms on the Bread Price-Fixing Settlement and Internet Bots
November 20 2025
Canadians falling victim to scams that come right to your door
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam tech market?
Canadians falling victim to scams that come right to your door
A concerning trend is on the rise across Canada, where scammers are going to victims’ homes in a new bank fraud scheme. CBC’s Nicole Williams explains how to protect yourself.
February 26 2025
What is DeepSeek and why is it shaking up the U.S. tech market?
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam tech market?
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam tech market?
Chinese AI app DeepSeek has become a top rated app in the U.S. but its surging popularity and low costs have disrupted financial markets and raised concerns among North American leaders in artificial intelligence. Francis Syms of Humber Polytechnic sits down with Metro Morning’s David Common to discuss the latest headlines on artificial intelligence and how it might affect us.
January 28 2025
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam tech market?
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam tech market?
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam tech market?
Canadian and U.S. police agencies are warning of a new email sextortion scheme in which victims are sent threatening emails to coerce them to pay a Bitcoin ransom or face the release of intimate images and personal information that scammers claim to have obtained from a data breach.
October 18 2024
Sincerely, AI: What's the PM’s Plan for Your Emails?
Federal Government Considers AI to Manage Prime Minister’s Correspondence
Federal Government Considers AI to Manage Prime Minister’s Correspondence
The Prime Minister gets as many as three-million emails and letters from Canadians each year. Only about a hundred-thousand get a response. And they're drafted NOT by Mark Carney himself, but by a team of about 40 people in the Prime Minister's Office. But that could be changing, as the PMO looks at bringing A-I into the fold. Francis Syms talks to CBC's Adam Hunter
May 07 2026
Federal Government Considers AI to Manage Prime Minister’s Correspondence
Federal Government Considers AI to Manage Prime Minister’s Correspondence
Federal Government Considers AI to Manage Prime Minister’s Correspondence
Francis Syms, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic, speaks with host Marcy Markusa about the potential for AI to handle the high volume of emails sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and the concerns surrounding data sovereignty, nuance, and labor impacts. e in the Prime Minister's Office. But that could be changing, as the PMO looks at bringing A-I into the fold. Francis Syms talks to CBC's Adam Hunter
May 07 2026
The Face in the Crowd: Edmonton’s AI Policing Experiment
Federal Government Considers AI to Manage Prime Minister’s Correspondence
The Face in the Crowd: Edmonton’s AI Policing Experiment
It sounds like something from science fiction, but it's already been deployed in a major Canadian city. Over the month of December, police officers in Edmonton used body-worn cameras equipped with A-I facial recognition technology. It was a pilot project. But recent findings by CBC News are raising privacy concerns. Francis Syms is Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic. He spoke with CBC's Angie Seth
April 24 2026
Pokémon Go, Robots Stay
The Claude Conflict: AI, Surveillance, and the Pentagon
The Face in the Crowd: Edmonton’s AI Policing Experiment
Here's a strange question: What do people playing Pokemon Go have in common with gig workers filming themselves washing dishes in Nigeria? They're all generating data to train robots, whether they know it or not.
Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic Francis Syms talks to CBC's Tori Gillis about the race to develop robots, and the role you may be playing in it.
April 10 2026
AI Gone Rogue
The Claude Conflict: AI, Surveillance, and the Pentagon
The Claude Conflict: AI, Surveillance, and the Pentagon
Imagine having A-I buy you a plane ticket, manage your emails, and book a reservation for you. Sounds great -- unless something goes terribly wrong. That was seemingly the case recently when a senior executive with Meta shared a story of the A-I tool Open-Claw nearly deleting her entire inbox, despite her telling it to stop. Francis Syms recounts the story and the lessons we should draw from it with CBC's Markus Schwabe.
March 26 2026
The Claude Conflict: AI, Surveillance, and the Pentagon
The Claude Conflict: AI, Surveillance, and the Pentagon
The Claude Conflict: AI, Surveillance, and the Pentagon
If you use the A-I chat-bot Claude, you're now using what the U-S government calls a 'supply chain risk.' The government made that designation after its creator, Anthropic, pushed back on the use of the A-I for mass surveillance. It's led to a lawsuit south of the border. But the dispute could have implications for us here -- whether we use Claude or not. Francis Syms is the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic. He spoke with CBC Radio Cape Breton morning show host Steve Sutherland.
March 13 2026
AI and tragedy
Kids Making Online Content
When ads meet AI
CBC's Doug Herbert talks to tech expert Francis Syms about AI's role in the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge.
February 27 2026
When ads meet AI
Kids Making Online Content
When ads meet AI
Our tech columnist Francis Syms explains how to navigate a future of advertising in AI
February 19 2026
Kids Making Online Content
Kids Making Online Content
The Rise of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics in the Workplace
CBC Windsor: A tech expert joins us with advice for parents who are uneasy about their kids making online content
Francis Syms is our tech columnist and AI expert. He's the associate Dean of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic.
February 03 2026
The Rise of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics in the Workplace
The Rise of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics in the Workplace
The Rise of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics in the Workplace
Francis Syms, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic, speaks with host Marcy Markusa about the shift toward "physical AI" following the latest Consumer Electronics Show and how Canadian-made humanoid robots are moving from labs into retail and warehouse pilots.
January 29 2026
Is controversy at Grok intentional?
The Rise of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics in the Workplace
Is controversy at Grok intentional?
Elon Musk's GROK A-I chat bot is at the centre of global controversy, facing bans and calls for investigations over it's potential to create sexual material. Tech columnist Francis Syms talk to CBC Morning North host Markus Schwabe in Sudbury about what countries are doing to regulate it, and where Canada stands.
January 20 2026
How to protect "kidfluencers"
The Rise of Physical AI and Humanoid Robotics in the Workplace
Is controversy at Grok intentional?
There is no question the influencer market is profitable. Brands pay billions of dollars to content creators to promote their products on social media. But a growing number of these content creators are children-- or 'kidfluencers' The E.U. is looking into ways to protect kidfluencers, in part, by banning platforms from paying them. Francis Syms covers tech issues for CBC Radio. He spoke with Information Morning Cape Breton's Steve Sutherland Morning North host Markus Schwabe in Sudbury about what countries are doing to regulate it, and where Canada stands.
December 05 2025
How AI bots are cashing in on class-action lawsuits
With Canada poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking about what happens if the AI bubble
With Canada poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking about what happens if the AI bubble
If you purchased bread from a major grocery store in the last 20 years, you could get some cash. It's all part of the massive bread price-fixing settlement that Loblaw and its parent company agreed to pay. It's pretty easy to apply. But for millions of bots, it's even easier. Francis Syms explains it all to CBC Morning North host Markus Schwabe.
Nov 20 2025
With Canada poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking about what happens if the AI bubble
With Canada poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking about what happens if the AI bubble
With Canada poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking about what happens if the AI bubble
CBC's Loren McGinnis talks it out with Francis Syms, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic
Oct 23 2025
As AI gets smarter just how much of a threat is it to white collar workers?
With Canada poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking about what happens if the AI bubble
Data factories need a lot of water and a whole lot of power. What are the economic & environmental
Francis Syms, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber breaks it down for The Calgary Eyeopeners Loren McGinnes.
Oct 10 2025
Data factories need a lot of water and a whole lot of power. What are the economic & environmental
Data factories need a lot of water and a whole lot of power. What are the economic & environmental
Data factories need a lot of water and a whole lot of power. What are the economic & environmental
We’re spending billions to make machines think, but with Canada being poised to join the data centre boom, are we thinking enough about what happens if the AI bubble bursts? Tech columnist Francis Syms joins us to talk about that
Oct 23 2025
David's Pick: Carney's plan to bring small modular reactors to Ontario’s Darlington nuclear power
Data factories need a lot of water and a whole lot of power. What are the economic & environmental
David's Pick: Carney's plan to bring small modular reactors to Ontario’s Darlington nuclear power
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a list of five "nation building projects" including a plan to bring small modular reactors to Darlington, Ontario. Tech columnist Francis Syms explains what that could look like.
Sep 12 2025
Calgary Eyeopener
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Information Morning - Moncton
The federal government is dedicating more than a billion dollars in its new budget to these fields over the next 5 years. Along with a plan to adopt AI to improve government services. The CBC's Loren McGuiness chats with Francis Syms, an Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber Polytechnic
Nov 04, 2025
Information Morning - Moncton
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Information Morning - Moncton
New AI registry for the federal government raises questions about how the technology should be used.
Sep 11, 2025
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Planned obsolescence: when gadgets fail. Might a new Quebec law help consumers? More on that with our new tech columnist, Francis Syms
Aug 27, 2025
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Researchers at AI startup Anthropic, have uncovered a pattern of behaviour in AI systems. Models from every major provider, such as OpenAI, Google, Meta have demonstrated a willingness to actively sabotage their users when their goals or existence were threatened. More on that with our new tech columnist, Francis Syms
Jun 26, 2025
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Could foreign tech pose a risk to Canada's digital sovereignty? Humber Associate Dean Francis Syms, joins us to talk about the risks and why he thinks governments and consumers need to re-think the tech systems they rely on.
May 22, 2025
The 306 with Peter Mills (Saskatchewan)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Francis Syms, associate dean of information and communications technology at Humber, talks about Canada's first ever mini nuclear reactors getting the green light (00:14:39).
May 09, 2025
Information Morning (Cape Breton)
A Cape Breton-born tech expert says the PowerSchool breach should raise questions about who we trust with our personal information.
May 08, 2025
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Technology expert Francis Syms explains why every word counts in your conversations with artificial intelligence—for the planet and possibly for the future of humankind.
Apr 25, 2025
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
Humber Polytechnic's Francis Syms breaks down the controversy over Google Maps' mislabeling of Canadian parks. Then, a group of students is installing a giant lit-up 'Ramadan Mubarak' sign in Nathan Phillips Square. Laila Soliman is one of them.
Feb 27, 2025
Web (National)
Web (National)
Metro Morning with David Common (Toronto)
AI Summit
Comments about objectives for AI Summit in Paris
Feb 08, 2025
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan (Halifax)
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan (Halifax)
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan (Halifax)
What did you do when you, or someone you know, fell victim to a phone or internet scam?
Oct 27, 2024
The National
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan (Halifax)
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan (Halifax)
Canadian, U.S. police warn public to beware of Bitcoin sextortion scam
Oct 18, 2024
Here and Now Toronto with Ramraajh Sharvendiran
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan (Halifax)
Here and Now Toronto with Ramraajh Sharvendiran
GTA Uber drivers are protesting new AI technology the app rolled out this week. The AI-based algorithm is supposed to improve customer satisfaction. Francis Syms is the Associate Dean of Information and Communications Technology at Humber College. He says drivers are worried the new pricing model will mean lower take home pay. Francis was on Here and Now.
Oct 17, 2024
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan
Here and Now Toronto with Ramraajh Sharvendiran
What do YOU want artificial intelligence to do for you?
Oct 13, 2024
Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan
Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones
Ever heard of SIM swapping? That's when criminals hijack phone numbers to gain access to people's online accounts. We speak with technology expert Francis Syms about how these scams work, and some tips to prevent them.
Aug 7, 2024
Toronto
Maritime Connection with Preston Mulligan
Yukon Morning with Elyn Jones
Story about the recent ransomware attack on TDSB's testing environment
Jun 13, 2024
Radio Noon Manitoba
Radio Noon Manitoba
Radio Noon Manitoba
Participated in a call-in show taking calls from listeners on EVs
Apr 29, 2024
CBC News
Radio Noon Manitoba
Radio Noon Manitoba
London Drugs Cybersecurity Incident
Apr 29, 2024
The National
Radio Noon Manitoba
On the Go with Anthony Germain
School Boards Sue Social Media
Mar 28, 2024
On the Go with Anthony Germain
On the Go with Anthony Germain
On the Go with Anthony Germain
As Tesla recalls over two million cars across North America, we get an expert's take on whether there's enough oversight on autonomous driving technology. The associate dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber College has been looking into the upgrade rollout. (Anthony Germain with Francis Syms)
December 14, 2023 (as written on CBC)
Here and Now
On the Go with Anthony Germain
Mainstreet with Jeff Douglas
A class action lawsuit was filed in 2018 against Apple Inc. and Apple Canada Inc. The tech company has been accused of altering the performance of some of their phones. Francis Syms, is an associate dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and technology at Humber College. He's been following the case and was on the show to talk about the matter.
January, 2024 (as written on CBC)
Mainstreet with Jeff Douglas
On the Go with Anthony Germain
Mainstreet with Jeff Douglas
If you use your work cellphone outside of work -- it is a document of your life that can be easily accessed, with privacy requirements possibly ignored. Guest host Preston Mulligan spoke with Francis Syms, a professor and technology expert at Humber College.
January 31, 2024 (as written on CBC)