New UK agency to tackle Russia’s online lies and deepfakes, Burnham tells UN

New UK agency to tackle Russia’s online lies and deepfakes, Burnham tells UN The National Centre for Information Defence will tackle online lies and deepfakes damaging British interests - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Andy Burnham has announced that a new unit will be set up to tackle online lies and deepfakes damaging British interests. In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Prime Minister said the new National Centre for Information Defence will tackle Russian information warfare after the UK and its allies had been subjected to an “industrial-scale assault” by hostile states, including Vladimir Putin’s country. Mr Burnham suggested that out-of-work youngsters were particularly vulnerable to the kind of misinformation and disinformation peddled by Russian activists. “Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people’s fear,” he said. “They’ve used bots and fake websites. Falsified newspaper articles. Forged the branding of 28 British organisations – including universities and the BBC. They’ve amplified far-right narratives. “And we have evidence that they tried to interfere with the 2019 General Election. “We also know that they have tried to stoke tensions and unrest in the wake of horrific events. The idea that anyone would try to use such things to their advantage is just repulsive – but it is what they do.” Russia has previously been accused of using illicitly acquired documents about UK-US trade talks to try to influence the 2019 contest. The new unit is initially being led out of the Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet, with the new centre working alongside intelligence agencies, government departments, the police and social media companies. Mr Burnham said: “The Kremlin spends around £1.3 billion each year on manipulating information. We’re talking about an insidious campaign that reaches into people’s homes and twists what they feel about their own country and community – creating a narrative of decline, stoking division and sowing despair. “On top of that, we have seen cyber-attacks on our companies and institutions. And we know that AI will multiply the threat.” Mr Burnham said that “if you’re struggling with the cost of living and your life is not improving – or if you’re a young person not in employment, education or training – then you are going to be much more vulnerable to this kind of influence”, so part of the response was creating economic opportunities. “We have tiptoed around this for too long,” he said. “Over the last decade we have given too much ground to those who want to run a negative, corrosive narrative about life in Britain, which bears no resemblance to reality. Well, no more. “We are going to face the new decade in a different way – with our eyes wide open. “We are going to be much prouder in standing up for our values and the rule of law.” Mr Burnham said the UK was already helping other countries facing similar online threats. “We have already supported Moldova to protect its elections from Russian interference. As more elections approach across Europe, more nations are grappling with these issues – some for the first time. “So we’re ready to share our understanding of how these actors work, and how we can respond – because this is vital for our collective security and resilience.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments