UK Warns UN of Growing Disinformation Threat as Russia and AI Raise Global Security Concerns

The United Kingdom has warned that growing misinformation and disinformation threats are undermining public trust, threatening security and putting lives at risk.

Delivering a statement at the United Nations Fourth Committee, UK Deputy Spokesperson Ed Thicknesse highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence to spread false information and called for coordinated international action to protect information integrity.

The UK thanked the Department of Global Communications, led by Under-Secretary-General Fleming, for its work on the issue.

Thicknesse also referred to remarks by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the UN General Assembly, where he warned of an “industrial-scale assault by hostile actors” on the information environment.

Artificial Intelligence Could Make False Information Harder to Detect

The British government said artificial intelligence could significantly increase the reach and effectiveness of misinformation and disinformation campaigns.

According to the statement, the technology allows false content to spread more quickly, target specific audiences more precisely and become harder to identify.

The UK also cited the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ 2026 World Disasters Report, which warned that harmful information during humanitarian emergencies could obstruct access to assistance, weaken public trust, damage social cohesion and endanger humanitarian workers.

UK Targets Russian Disinformation Networks With New Sanctions

The first area identified by the UK was the need for UN member states to protect the organisation’s credibility as a trusted source of information.

Thicknesse warned that disinformation was being used by individuals, groups and even member states to influence public opinion and undermine democratic institutions.

He said the UK would continue exposing Russian disinformation activities, claiming that the Kremlin spends approximately £1.3 billion annually on information manipulation.

The statement identified online bot farms and troll networks as tools used to target democratic processes and distribute misleading information on a large scale.

The UK recently announced 31 additional sanctions targeting networks accused of supporting Kremlin disinformation operations.

Prime Minister Burnham has also announced plans to establish a National Centre for Information Defence to identify and disrupt hostile state information attacks while supporting the protection of British democracy.

Britain Offers Support to Countries Facing Foreign Interference

The UK said it would use its experience to help other countries strengthen their defences against disinformation.

One example highlighted was its support for Moldova in protecting elections against alleged Russian interference.

Britain also plans to make artificial intelligence a central issue during its G20 Presidency next year, working with international partners to promote beneficial uses of the technology while addressing associated risks.

Disinformation Poses Risks to UN Peacekeepers

The second priority outlined by the UK was tackling false information that undermines the United Nations’ responsibility to maintain international peace and security.

Thicknesse warned that misinformation targeting UN peacekeeping operations could expose personnel and local communities to serious dangers.

He said misleading narratives had contributed to violence, the deaths of peacekeepers and the destruction of UN property. Attacks on peacekeeping personnel also cause lasting physical and psychological harm.

The scale of the threat was reflected in a UN Department of Peace Operations survey, which found that 76% of peacekeepers questioned in 2025 believed misinformation and disinformation had a moderate to severe impact on their safety while carrying out their duties.

The UK said it continued to provide funding outside the UN’s regular budget to support projects aimed at improving peacekeepers’ security.

These initiatives include training and the development of technological tools and mechanisms to help personnel respond to misinformation and strengthen information integrity.

UK Calls for Greater Protection of Independent Journalists

The third priority identified in the statement was the protection of independent journalism and the safety of media workers.

As a co-founder of the Media Freedom Coalition, the United Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to defending journalists and supporting their ability to report independently.

Thicknesse cited figures from the Committee to Protect Journalists, which recorded 129 deaths among journalists and media workers in 2025. The organisation described it as the deadliest year since it began collecting data.

He also stressed that international humanitarian law protects journalists covering armed conflicts.

However, the UK warned that journalists wearing clothing marked “PRESS” were increasingly being treated as targets rather than protected media workers.

Britain Demands Investigations Into Attacks on Media Workers

The statement called for every attack against journalists and other media workers to be investigated.

The UK said those responsible should be held accountable and brought to justice in accordance with national and international law.

Closing his remarks, Thicknesse said misinformation and disinformation could flourish when efforts to defend the truth were weak.

He called on UN member states to strengthen their cooperation, expose false narratives, protect journalists and ensure that those using deception to undermine others are held accountable.

The UK said the international response must be stronger and more united to address the growing threats to information integrity.