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United Kingdom establishes new unit to combat Russian information warfare
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced the establishment of the National Information Defence Centre to combat Russian information warfare and foreign interference. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Burnham stated that the United Kingdom and its allies have faced “industrial-scale attacks” from hostile states, specifically citing Russia.
The new unit is designed to detect, attribute, and dismantle information attacks, including the use of bots, fake websites, and deepfakes. Burnham noted that Russian agencies have impersonated 28 British organizations, including the BBC and various universities, to spread disinformation. He also cited evidence of Russian attempts to interfere in the 2019 general elections.
Initially led by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Cabinet Office, the centre will coordinate efforts between intelligence agencies, government ministries, police, and social media companies. This move follows recent UK sanctions against 106 organizations and individuals linked to Russian information operations since October 2024.
Entities
Andy Burnham · BBC · National Centre for Information Protection · National Information Defence Centre · Russia · United Kingdom · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] There is evidence of Russian attempts to interfere in the 2019 general elections. pmo.ee · www.actualno.com · www.perfil.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Since October 2024, the UK has sanctioned 106 organizations and individuals linked to Russian information warfare. fakti.bg
- [● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the creation of a new unit to combat Russian information warfare. pmo.ee · www.actualno.com · fakti.bg · www.perfil.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The new National Information Defense Centre will target online lies and deepfakes. pmo.ee · www.actualno.com · www.perfil.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The new unit will initially be led by the Prime Minister’s Office and the Cabinet Office. pmo.ee · www.actualno.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Russian agencies have impersonated 28 British organizations, including universities and the BBC. pmo.ee · www.actualno.com · www.perfil.com