MPs and peers have raised concerns with the government about potential interference in the upcoming general election on July 4th by hostile states such as Russia, China, and North Korea.
A parliamentary committee composed of MPs and peers has informed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the general election presents an “attractive target” for malicious actors looking to disrupt the UK. The threat includes potential cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and phishing attempts aimed at undermining the election process.
Labour MP Margaret Beckett, who chairs the parliamentary national security committee, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the evolving technological landscape that makes it easier for hostile actors to influence the public with the use of deepfake videos and audios spreading false information online.
The government has set up a Joint Election Security Preparations Unit to coordinate efforts across various agencies and ensure the integrity of the election. Additionally, enhanced cyber security measures have been made available to parliamentarians and election candidates to protect against foreign interference.
Beckett stressed that clear communication about the risks of misinformation and foreign interference is crucial, especially given the geopolitical tensions that have increased the likelihood of state actors attempting to influence political discourse in democracies.
Concerns were also raised about past instances of interference, such as the hacking activities of Russian groups targeting high-profile individuals and institutions in the UK. The letter called for urgent action to safeguard UK democracy against these threats and ensure that tech companies play their part in preventing the spread of disinformation.
Efforts are being made by the government to address these challenges, including the establishment of the Defending Democracy Taskforce and the implementation of measures to enhance election security and counter state threats.