UK Establishes Center to Combat Disinformation and Deepfakes from Hostile States

• •UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a new center to combat disinformation and deepfakes.
• •The National Centre for Information Defence will focus on threats from hostile states, particularly Russia.
• •The initiative aims to enhance societal resilience and counteract the influence of disinformation campaigns.

On September 23, 2026, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the establishment of the National Centre for Information Defence to combat disinformation and deepfake content primarily from hostile states like Russia. This initiative aims to detect, trace, and counter information attacks that exploit artificial intelligence to manipulate public opinion. The center will collaborate with intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and social media companies to strengthen the UK's defenses against information warfare. Burnham emphasized the need for heightened awareness of these 'insidious' campaigns that distort perceptions of the UK and contribute to societal division. He noted that vulnerable populations, particularly those facing economic hardships, are at increased risk of foreign influence. The center will also focus on building societal resilience against disinformation. This announcement aligns with ongoing concerns about cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns targeting the UK and its allies.