Source: NATO
On 18 October 2024, Allied Defence Ministers endorsed NATO’s Approach to Counter Information Threats. This will strengthen the Alliance by establishing a well-connected and interoperable approach to identify, prevent and respond effectively to information threats.
The Alliance continues to face growing hybrid threats from state and non-state actors who frequently target our values and undermine our security, not least through manipulation of the information environment.
NATO’s approach focuses on information threats: intentional, harmful, manipulative and coordinated activities, which routinely include information manipulation and interference by foreign actors, and information operations. These activities are used to create confusion, sow division, destabilise societies, influence perceptions and behaviours, and ultimately have a negative impact on NATO, Allies and partners.
Even though information threats are not a new danger to the Alliance, new challenges are on the rise. In light of rapidly emerging technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), the scale and sophistication of tactics, techniques and procedures have reached unprecedented levels, significantly amplifying their use and impact.
Through this common approach, NATO further strengthens its capability to understand, prevent, contain and mitigate, and recover from information threats, and reinforces its commitment to doing so in full respect of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression.
The public summary of NATO’s Approach to Counter Information Threats is available here.