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The Counter disinformation unit leads the UK's governments response to misinformation and disinformation. It states that it analyses public available information and does not collect non-public information.[1] The unit was established on 5 March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] The unit commissioned reports from the Artificial intelligence firm Logically.[3] The unit was run by civil servant, Sarah Connolly.[4]
The CDU states it responds to narratives by rebutting social media posts, flagging posts, or promotion of public health campaigns.[5] The response also included downranking posts.[6]
Prominent critics of the United Kingdom responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were monitored by the unit.[3] Epidemiologist Carl Heneghan and tropical disease researcher Alexandre de Figueiredo were monitored by the unit as was Molly Kingsley who ran a campaign to keep schools open during the pandemic.[3] Member of parliament, David Davis had his comments logged by the unit.[4]
^"Counter-Disinformation Unit – open source information collection and analysis: privacy notice". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
^"Question about Coronavirus Disinformation". TheyWorkForYou. 6 January 2022. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
^ abcteam, Investigations; Diver, Tony (2023-06-02). "Exclusive: Ministers had 'chilling' secret unit to curb lockdown dissent". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
^ abteam, Investigations (2023-06-09). "Covid disinformation unit made 'hourly contact' with tech firms, its leader reveals". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
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