King warns malicious online actors are evolving tactics

King Charles III has warned of the challenges disinformation and other "hostile online activity" pose to trust and security in the digital age.

The comments, made in a letter to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to mark its 10th anniversary, spoke of "malicious actors" continuing to "evolve their tactics by using automated technologies".

"From threats to our international order, to the need to balance the risks and opportunities of powerful new technologies, strong cyber security is fundamental to making the online environment safer and more resilient," he wrote.

Last month, the King warned AI executives of the "existential dangers" posed by the technology falling into the wrong hands.

In the letter published on Saturday by NCSC, the King praised the government agency and said its achievements over the past decade have included defending the country against cyber attacks, safeguarding democratic institutions and protecting "the critical infrastructure upon which daily life depends".

"You have built resilience across our public services, businesses and communities, equipping us all to prosper in our ever-evolving digital world," the monarch added.

The King said he was "acutely aware" that much of the work done by the NCSC cannot be praised publicly and that he was filled with "profound gratitude".

The NCSC was established in 2016 as part of the Government Communications Headquarters to protect the UK against cyber threats.