The manipulation of truth is becoming easier, allowing misinformation to flourish unchecked.
Andrews highlighted that this unrestrained spread of false information is unparalleled in history.
“We’re witnessing a surge in disinformation campaigns that is unlike anything experienced before, mainly due to our current information landscape,” he explained.
“Our adversaries have cleverly exploited this opportunity, and they’ve done so with surprising effectiveness,” he added.
As tensions grow, the role of AI raises significant concerns, with models becoming increasingly advanced.
“As AI systems and technologies become more integrated into everyday life, I believe the associated risks will escalate dramatically,” Andrews cautioned.
Militaries have quietly spun narratives of fake victories or exaggerated attacks too.
This type of fake news is particularly powerful inside a regime.
“It could be creating a generalised sense of uncertainty and distrust, a generalised sense of that one side is doing much better than they are in reality,” Andrews said.
“But it could also be directed inwards and to say, ‘Well, look, there’s these reports of how wonderfully our forces are doing and how the enemy has been defeated’.”
The horse has bolted on AI and fake news.
But Andrews said the average person can try to separate fact from fiction in a few different ways.
It takes a level of personal responsbility for your own algorithm.
“You have to read widely and try and find things that sort of complement the quick and reactive with the slower and more considerate,” he said.
“Each has their place, but if we’re just relying on something like social media that provides that minute-by-minute update, none of us are actually equipped to translate that information effectively.
“You might look at the flow of social media for a little bit, but then you’ve got to sit back and then read reports that happen over multiple days to try and balance that out and apply that critical lens.”
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