UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans for a new national agency to counter foreign information warfare, warning that hostile states such as Russia are using disinformation, artificial intelligence and fake online content to influence British society.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Burnham said the proposed National Centre for Information Defence would work with intelligence agencies, law enforcement and social media companies to detect, attribute and disrupt information attacks.
The centre will also focus on strengthening public resilience by helping communities identify misleading information and deepfakes. Burnham said Russia had used bots, fake websites and fabricated newspaper articles, while also falsely using the branding of 28 British organisations, including universities and the BBC.
The announcement comes amid wider concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence to produce and distribute convincing false content. Burnham argued that economic hardship and social inequalities could leave some people more vulnerable to foreign influence online.
The initiative has also raised questions about freedom of expression and the government’s approach to political dissent. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the centre would not be used to police domestic disagreement, stressing that people must remain free to challenge government policy and support opposition parties.
Burnham said Britain would also share its experience with other countries facing similar threats ahead of elections across Europe.
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