Key facts
- The UK has launched the National Centre for Information Defence to combat disinformation.
- Disinformation campaigns include deepfakes and 'poisoning' AI systems with false stories.
- Hostile states like Russia, China, and Iran are employing disinformation tactics.
- Far-right influencers and individuals seeking profit also contribute to the spread of divisive content.
- A study found over a quarter of news-related posts on X were misinformation.
- The UK government defines disinformation as the deliberate spread of falsehoods to cause harm.
The UK has established a new agency, the National Centre for Information Defence, to combat the growing threat of disinformation, particularly from hostile state actors. Andy Burnham, who announced the initiative, described the campaign as an 'insidious' effort that creates a 'narrative of decline, stoking division and sowing despair.'
Experts note that disinformation tactics are evolving, moving beyond blatant deepfakes and false narratives spread on platforms like Telegram to 'poisoning' AI systems by flooding the internet with false information. This sophisticated ecosystem, which also includes far-right influencers and individuals motivated by profit, exacerbates existing societal tensions. While Russia is a key player in amplifying divisive content, China and Iran have also employed tactics such as using deepfake newscasters.
A recent study by the Social Market Foundation indicated that over a quarter of news-related posts on X (formerly Twitter) contained misinformation, with a third of those being anti-immigration or Islamophobic. The UK government distinguishes between misinformation (inadvertent spread of false information) and disinformation (deliberate spread of falsehoods to cause harm).
Previous actions by the UK government include sanctioning Russian entities like the Social Design Agency and ANO Dialog, which are accused of conducting large-scale interference campaigns. The Doppelgänger network, which imitates established media organizations, is one example of such interference. The UK government has also been monitoring social media for public safety threats following incidents like the Southport disturbances.
Academics caution that counter-disinformation efforts should not solely focus on external actors, as underlying societal feelings of decline and tension are fertile ground for amplification. The increasing use of AI in generating disinformation presents a new challenge, with Meta noting AI-generated content is now a 'near-standard' component of such campaigns.