The UK government has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in threats to information integrity, particularly as these challenges are exacerbated by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Mis- and disinformation have become pervasive, making it more difficult for individuals and communities to discern the truth. This scenario poses a serious risk, allowing misinformation to deceive populations on a large scale, especially concerning critical issues like climate change. The UK recognized the efforts of the UN Department of Global Communications, especially its Global Principles for Information Integrity launched in June, and reiterated its commitment to implementing frameworks such as the UN Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact to address these pressing issues.
Climate change exemplifies the urgent need for decisive action, yet misinformation in this domain is impeding necessary responses. The UK emphasizes that disinformation is not a passive issue but is actively weaponized by various entities, including state actors. For instance, in Mali, the emergence of anti-UN propaganda coincided with the deployment of the Wagner Group, resulting in violent attacks against UN peacekeepers and leading to the eventual closure of the UN Mission in Mali in 2023. This situation highlights a broader trend, with Russia reportedly sponsoring numerous disinformation campaigns across Africa that undermine regional stability and security.
Furthermore, the UK along with allies like the US and Canada has pointed to Russian efforts aimed at influencing political outcomes in countries like Moldova, where disinformation was used to disrupt democratic processes. Such actions, occurring as many nations hold or prepare for elections, signal a troubling trend of external state interference in sovereign nations’ affairs. The UK insists that these efforts by Russia are not merely assaults on particular nations but an attack on the principle of objective truth, which is essential for justice, democracy, and freedom. Losing the fight for objective truth could have dire implications for societies worldwide.
In response to these challenges, the UK is advocating for a human rights-based approach to information integrity and has introduced measures such as the Online Safety Act. This legislation obligates tech companies to remove illegal online content, specifically targeting mis- and disinformation produced by AI. Additionally, the Act introduces a Foreign Interference Offence aimed at corporate accountability concerning state-sponsored disinformation. Collaboratively with the G7, the UK is developing a Collective Response Framework to counter foreign threats, further exemplified by exposing disinformation efforts related to Moldova’s electoral process this year.
The UK categorically condemns the disinformation campaigns orchestrated by Russia and its allies against UN peacekeeping operations, asserting these actions undermine trust in peacekeeping missions and compromise their safety and effectiveness. Financially supporting the UN’s Mis- and Disinformation in Peacekeeping Settings Project to the tune of USD $242,000, the UK aims to strengthen the capabilities of peacekeepers as they face intensified scrutiny and hostility. Equally important is affording protection to journalists operating in conflict zones, highlighting the need for adherence to international humanitarian law as information dissemination is crucial during crises.
Acknowledging the disparities in global access to information, the UK remains committed to inclusivity as part of its Digital Access Programme, which aims to connect underserved populations to the internet. Having already facilitated access for over 13.5 million people in nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, Indonesia, and Brazil, the UK asserts that digital technology and AI, if leveraged responsibly, can act as catalysts for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Highlighting the diverse linguistic landscapes within the UN and the global community, the UK reaffirms its dedication to improve digital access while combating the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation.