Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which Minister or official authorised the 77th Brigade to collect data related to public statements, social media and internet activity as part of its work.

77th Brigade was created in 2015 and conducts information operations, including information activity and outreach, across a range of disciplines. This includes collecting, creating, and disseminating digital and wider media content in support of designated tasks. Like many Armed Forces units, 77th Brigade supported the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provided support to the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, who were working to counter disinformation.