UK launches National Centre for Information Defence to counter Russian disinformation

The UK government announced the creation of the National Centre for Information Defence, a new agency to combat disinformation and deepfakes from hostile states like Russia, as revealed by Andy Burnham. The initiative aims to detect, attribute, and disrupt foreign information attacks. The centre will unite intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and social media companies to counter AI-enabled threats, with Burnham emphasizing the need to "stem the poisonous tide" and build national resilience. He cited Russia's £1.3bn annual spending on manipulation, including forged branding of British organizations and interference in the 2019 election. Burnham's announcement followed US President Donald Trump's criticism of UK rhetoric toward Moscow, which Downing Street rejected. The prime minister also noted that vulnerable groups, such as those struggling with living costs, may be more susceptible to foreign influence, and the UK plans to share its expertise with allies like Moldova.