Britain’s spy agency has launched an offensive cyber operation to tackle anti-vaccine propaganda being spread online by hostile states.
GCHQ, which gathers communication from around the world to identify and disrupt threats to Britain, is using methods originally developed to tackle ISIS radicalisation material.
The threat of fake news surrounding new vaccines has led the security services to use the technology to counter disinformation activities linked to Russia, according to the Times.
The British government considers tackling false information about immunisation as a high priority, as the prospect of a reliable vaccine against the Covid-19 draws closer.
A vaccine is seen as the world’s best chance for tackling the pandemic that has led to more than 1.2 million deaths.
GCHQ is Britain’s main surveillance agency and it has a close relationship with the US National Security Agency, as well as with the security arms of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, in an intelligence alliance known as the “Five Eyes”.
"GCHQ has been told to take out anti-vaxers online and on social media," the Times said, citing a government source.
It cites Russia as being behind "a high proportion" of disinformation about the coronavirus.
The report said the focus of the operation is taking down hostile state-linked content and disrupting the communications of those responsible.
Last month, a fake news campaign targeted the UK's Oxford University vaccine, claiming it was capable of turning people into monkeys.
General Sir Nick Carter, UK chief of defence staff, has previously confirmed the security services are “helping to quash rumours" surrounding the pandemic.
They have been targeting fake news surrounding the outbreak and rogue remedies.
In the summer, Britain accused Russia of trying to hack western coronavirus vaccine research.
The National Cyber Security Centre identified attempts to access research laboratory data. Russia denies involvement.
Last month, US authorities charged six Russian military officers in connection with some of the world’s largest cyber attacks in the past decade.
The US Department of Justice revealed the charges against six officers from Russia’s main intelligence directorate GRU, saying they were members of a sophisticated, state-sponsored, secret hacking group called Sandworm.
They included computer fraud and conspiracy in launching attacks that entailed taking down Ukraine's power grid in 2015, an attempt to disrupt the French elections in 2016, and a cyber attack on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018.
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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