The United Kingdom will establish a new center dedicated to combating disinformation, particularly from Russia, and will spearhead international efforts to create global safety standards for artificial intelligence, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced.

In his first major international address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Burnham highlighted the growing threat posed by state-sponsored disinformation campaigns, warning that artificial intelligence will significantly amplify these risks.

Burnham accused Russian agencies of employing various methods, including bots and fake websites, to spread false narratives. He stated that Russia spends approximately £1.3 billion annually on information manipulation, citing instances where the branding of British organizations, including universities and the BBC, was forged. This "insidious campaign" aims to undermine national unity and sow division, he explained.

The Prime Minister also referenced past concerns about Russian interference in the 2019 UK general election. To counter these threats, the UK is establishing a National Centre for Information Defence. This new body will collaborate with intelligence agencies, government departments, law enforcement, and social media platforms to detect and disrupt AI-enabled disinformation operations.

Russia has previously denied allegations of disinformation, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accusing Western media of promoting "anti-Russian clichés and fantasies." Moscow had described earlier UK government reports on Russian activity as "Russophobia."

Burnham positioned the UK as an "honest broker" in the international discourse on AI, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to manage the technology's risks while harnessing its potential benefits. He acknowledged public concerns, stating that the government must "rise to this moment."

The government's stance on AI regulation has evolved since Burnham took office in July, with a new emphasis on international collaboration. While AI offers significant economic growth opportunities, it also presents "a multiplier of risk," Burnham told world leaders.

The announcement comes amid growing global apprehension about AI, following warnings from industry insiders about its potential existential threats. The UK aims to leverage its close ties with the United States and its perceived neutrality to foster international agreement on AI safety protocols.