Sadiq Khan Warns of Disinformation Surge in London Amid AI Exploitation

• •Online disinformation in London has surged significantly, with crime-related narratives increasing by 150-200%.
• •Sadiq Khan calls for stronger government action and a new regulatory body to combat misinformation.
• •AI-generated content is being used to amplify false narratives, posing risks to public trust and safety.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has raised alarms over a significant increase in online disinformation, particularly regarding crime rates and migration narratives, which have surged by 150-200% and 350% respectively over the past two years. This rise is attributed to coordinated efforts by foreign state actors and domestic far-right groups using AI-generated content to manipulate public perception. Khan's remarks came during a disinformation summit in Cambridge, where he emphasized the urgent need for government intervention and stronger regulations on social media platforms. The Greater London Authority's study revealed that misleading narratives are often propagated by accounts impersonating legitimate news sources, exacerbating the crisis. Khan has called for the establishment of a new regulatory body to combat this 'outrage economy' and has urged lawmakers to empower existing regulators like Ofcom. He warned that unchecked disinformation could lead to increased domestic terrorism, as individuals may act on conspiracy theories encountered online. The mayor's advocacy for action includes direct communication with major social media companies to demand accountability and transparency.