UK announces action on disinformation and global AI standards

Burnham said in recent years there had been “industrial-scale attacks by hostile actors on the information environment” both in the UK and many of its allied countries.

He told world leaders that “Russian institutions have used every tool at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people’s fears,” including through the use of bots, fake websites and fake news articles.

Election interference, AI threats

“They are strengthening the right-wing narrative. And we have evidence that they are trying to interfere with the 2019 elections,” he said. “We also know that they are trying to incite tension and unrest following horrific events.”

False information shared online helped spark unrest following the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in the city of Southport in July 2024.

Burnham stated that the Kremlin spent around $1.7 billion “to manipulate information,” and noted that British companies and institutions had also experienced cyberattacks.

“And we know that AI will multiply the threat,” he added.

Countering disinformation, strengthening security

The Prime Minister said the UK would establish a new National Information Defense Center that would detect, link and disrupt information attacks while supporting and defending its democracy.

The UK will also use its experience to help other countries, having helped Moldova protect its election from alleged Russian interference.

“As elections approach across Europe, more and more countries are grappling with these issues – some for the first time,” he said.

“So, we are ready to share our understanding of how these actors work, and how we can respond – because this is critical to our collective security and resilience.”

UK-US partnership in AI

Regarding artificial intelligence, Mr. Burnham described Frontier AI – a leading technology – as “one of the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time”.

He announced that the UK is developing a new AI defense partnership with the United States to protect critical national infrastructure.

Support for global AI principles

He emphasized that fundamental decisions regarding AI are “too important to be left to chance” and “must be made by an elected government that serves working people.”

In this case, the UK will bring together the right people to realize AI’s potential for good while addressing its risks.

“And we will work to agree on a set of global principles and standards to ensure the transparency and access we need to improve our readiness – and to ensure that AI development is safe,” he said.

The UN continues to emphasize that the best way to address AI risks is by bringing countries together to adopt shared principles and commitments on AI governance.