This paper draws urgent attention to the UK’s epistemic security – securing healthy and robust information supply chains within the UK and building resilience to adverse influences. It identifies points of vulnerability in today’s information supply chains and sets out five actionable recommendations that can be taken by government to safeguard its epistemic security. Addressing the vulnerabilities in information systems will protect the integrity of UK's democracy and set an example for others to follow. 

Points of vulnerability

1. Mass digitisation of communication
2. Weakened news ecosystems
3. Heightened risk of foreign influence
4. Regulatory shortcomings

Recommendations

1. Fresh threat analysis – understand the threats to epistemic security faced today and trends for the future.
2. Make government ready for the task – responsibility for protecting epistemic security needs greater focus and clarity in government.
3. New and renewed regulation – clear steps government can take to begin bolstering epistemic security through regulation.
4. Boost domestic information supply chain – media policy is critical as a lever to help promote democratically important information in the supply chain.
5. Secure elections, defend candidates –  improve the resilience of the electoral system by establishing mechanisms to call out suspected foreign influence, improve protections for candidates against online threats and intimidation, and restrict the scope of political advertising.