The Foreign Secretary has raised concerns about the UK facing a new wave of information warfare from hostile states, involving disinformation, interference, and cyber threats.
During a speech in London, Yvette Cooper highlighted the dangers posed by malicious actors using social media to spread manipulated videos targeting Ukraine and interfering in elections. She emphasized that technological advancements have empowered hackers and disruptors working for unfriendly governments, leading to an increase in hybrid threats.
Cooper also stressed the need to prevent foreign entities from influencing discussions in the UK on sensitive topics such as migration, gender, and climate in order to create divisions within the country.
She stated, “In Europe, we are observing a rise in hybrid threats, encompassing physical and cyber elements, aimed at undermining critical national infrastructure, disrupting our interests, and meddling in our democratic processes to benefit hostile foreign powers.”
The Foreign Secretary unveiled new strategies to identify and counter threats against the UK during a speech commemorating the Locarno Treaties following World War One.
She explained, “A century ago, malicious actors or state-sponsored disruptors relied on well-crafted documents or planted stories to manipulate public opinion. Today, technological advancements have made it easier for a wider range of actors, with varying skill levels, to act on behalf of foreign governments. They can manipulate elections, weakening Western interests and eroding global alliances.”
Recent elections in Moldova saw the emergence of counterfeit websites and advertisements promoting false and unpopular policies, such as raising the retirement age and extending military service.
Additionally, fake videos targeting President Zelensky and his wife Olena Zelenska were disseminated through fabricated news platforms in African nations to undermine support for Ukraine.
Russian agencies have also attempted to saturate UK social media with forged documents and deepfake content in multiple languages, including English, German, and French.
Cooper emphasized, “Through the use of generative AI and manipulated videos on social media, foreign actors can gradually diminish backing for key allies like Ukraine through deceitful practices, weakening our collective support against Russia ’s unlawful actions.”
Regarding the situation in the UK, she added, “This is not about engaging in legitimate debates on contentious issues. While many individuals in the UK hold strong opinions on migration, gender, and climate, these discussions should remain internal and not be manipulated by foreign powers to sow discord for their own gain.”
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