34 Acknowledged

Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) proliferation over the last few years has ushered a new digital era...

Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) proliferation over the last few years has ushered a new digital era by invigorating research and innovation, whilst introducing unique challenges to national security. AI offers malicious users the opportunities to create novel content at speed, greatly increasing their reach and impact. However, it can also be deployed by defenders to analyse patterns, detecting campaigns before they can cause widespread harm. (Conclusion, Paragraph 164)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees with the Committee's observation on AI's dual nature, acknowledging its use for both information manipulation and defensive capabilities. It states that FCDO capabilities are under review and existing AI sandboxes are in place, with a commitment to assess their utility for a bespoke counter-disinformation sandbox.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
Partially agree. We know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being used by states as a tool to conduct information manipulation and interference. This includes the generation of AI deepfakes of politicians and other high-profile figures, including around elections, to spread disinformation and distort the truth. As well as the potential for AI to be harnessed by our adversaries for malign activity, we also recognise that AI has great potential to be used positively, including in the detection, monitoring and disruption of FIMI. The FCDO continues to keep its capabilities under close review. The Government has already established AI sandboxes, such as the AI Growth Lab, which has been designed as a safe space for regulators and businesses to test AI products and identify where current rules might hinder innovation. In response to the AI Action Plan, the Government committed to work with regulators to boost their capabilities. The Government has been clear that we will legislate where necessary, guided by evidence and where there are demonstrable gaps. In line with the Committee’s recommendation, we will assess the existing AI sandboxes and their utility and use this to scope whether a bespoke AI counter disinformation sandbox would be useful rather than duplicative.
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 27 Mar 2026