Sadiq Khan Launches £7 Million Campaign Against Online Disinformation Threatening London

• •Sadiq Khan's campaign targets a 200% increase in negative social media narratives about London.
• •Over 15,000 misleading posts in Japanese falsely depict London as lawless and under Islamic governance.
• •The campaign aims to reclaim London's narrative by promoting its cultural and economic strengths.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has initiated a £7 million campaign to combat a surge in online disinformation that threatens the city's reputation and tourism industry. This campaign, set to launch in September, follows a report indicating a nearly 200% increase in social media posts portraying London negatively over the past two years. The disinformation includes false narratives about crime and governance, particularly targeting audiences in Asia, with over 15,000 misleading posts in Japanese claiming London is lawless. Khan described this disinformation as a 'global scourge' and a money-making industry that preys on public fears. The campaign aims to promote London's heritage and cultural significance to counteract these narratives. The initiative is managed by London & Partners and will employ a multi-continental marketing strategy. This response highlights the growing impact of misinformation on urban economies and international perceptions.