Statement on Nuclear and Radiological Disinformation

Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am speaking on behalf of the Countering WMD Disinformation Initiative, a dedicated effort of the G7-led Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (Global Partnership). This initiative is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by The Atlantic Council Digital Forensic Research Lab, The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, King’s College London and Open Nuclear Network.  Our efforts are undertaken on behalf of all 31 Global Partnership members and are coordinated with other counter-disinformation initiatives, including the G7’s Rapid Response Mechanism.

As States gather to reaffirm their commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), we must acknowledge a growing challenge that threatens the treaty’s integrity: the spread of disinformation in the nuclear and radiological realm. Disinformation is increasingly used to manipulate perceptions, distort facts, and undermine trust across the entire WMD spectrum. In the NPT context, disinformation threatens the effective implementation of the treaty’s three pillars: disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear technologies.

While disinformation in nuclear fora is not new, recent trends suggest a rise in deliberate and sophisticated efforts to mislead the international community. These efforts target verification mechanisms and multilateral forums, fuel distrust among states, and erode public confidence in nuclear governance and non-proliferation efforts. This statement will illustrate how disinformation threatens the NPT’s objectives and propose concrete measures to counter its spread while preserving the integrity of diplomatic discourse.

Disarmament

For disarmament to be effective, states must have assurance that other countries are implementing their commitments in good faith. However, disinformation is increasingly being used to cast doubt on compliance, create false perceptions of treaty violations, and justify arms buildups. Fabricated claims about nuclear intentions or capabilities are used to portray states as non-compliant, while manipulated public narratives can erode support for arms control agreements. Additionally, independent verification bodies are sometimes undermined through allegations of bias or incompetence. If left unchecked, these tactics will further degrade trust, impede diplomatic progress, and increase the risk of arms racing based on exaggerated or false security concerns.

Non-Proliferation

The non-proliferation pillar of the NPT relies on the credibility of its verification mechanisms, yet disinformation poses a growing challenge to its effectiveness. False accusations of states developing nuclear weapons capabilities in violation of their obligations undermine trust in the treaty, while efforts to cast doubt on the neutrality of verification bodies, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further weaken confidence in compliance processes. Additionally, misleading claims are sometimes used to justify unilateral actions under the pretext of preventing proliferation. Past disinformation campaigns have falsely alleged the existence of clandestine nuclear programs or imminent radiological threats, leading to heightened geopolitical tensions and calls for pre-emptive action despite a lack of credible evidence. Such tactics not only destabilize international security but also divert attention from legitimate proliferation concerns that require collective engagement and fact-based diplomacy.

The Peaceful Use of Nuclear Applications

The right to develop and use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes is a fundamental principle of the NPT. However, disinformation campaigns seek to delegitimize civilian nuclear programs, sometimes by falsely linking them to weapons development or storage to justify restrictions on technology transfer and international cooperation. Exaggerated claims about safety risks contribute to public opposition to nuclear energy projects, while efforts to undermine trust in nuclear regulators by portraying them as ineffective or politically biased further erode confidence in the sector. These challenges are particularly concerning as the world faces growing energy needs and climate change pressures, both of which require a fact-based discussion on the role of nuclear energy in sustainable development.

Recommendations for Action

Platforms like the GP Countering WMD Disinformation Initiative, together with credible partners from civil society, can provide valuable support to Member States in addressing these challenges. Dedicated counter-disinformation initiatives, independent research institutions, media organizations, and NGOs can provide evidence and materials that fact-check nuclear-related claims, debunk disinformation, and contribute to public awareness efforts. Fostering partnerships between governments, international organizations, and civil society will help build a resilient information environment, protect the treaty’s integrity and ensure global nuclear security. Through coordinated efforts at all levels, we can mitigate the impact of disinformation in the nuclear and radiological security realm and ensure a safer, more secure future for all.

We thank you for your attention.

The GP Counter WMD Disinformation Initiative