This note summarises recent evidence on misinformation and disinformation, focusing
on risks and potential responses that are relevant to London. It treats these issues as
challenges to how information is understood and used. It does not cover related issues
such as hate speech, harassment or other forms of online abuse.
The note draws on a rapid, high-level review of research and policy literature, alongside
London-specific analysis. It is informed by expert input and stakeholder interviews with
London-based organisations and practitioners.1
It addresses three main questions:
- What are misinformation and disinformation?
- Why do they matter for London and what risks do they pose?
- What actions appear most likely to reduce harms or improve resilience?
Key Findings
Misinformation and disinformation are now part of the UK’s chronic risk
landscape. They pose risks to marginalised groups, democratic functioning, the
economy and national security. London is particularly exposed given its global
visibility, diversity and political prominence.
- Evidence shows that mis/disinformation can reduce trust in institutions, contribute
to tensions between communities, and place pressures on public health and
frontline services. Misleading narratives can also shape international perceptions
of the capital, with potential economic impacts (eg, on investment and tourism).- The evidence strongly suggests there is no single solution to address
mis/disinformation challenges. It points to several practical areas where city and
local actors can act through a multi-layered response. These include platform
design, public communication, trusted messengers, media and information
literacy and wider work to strengthen community resilience.- The evidence base on impacts and specific interventions remains
underdeveloped. Robust evaluation remains limited, and many approaches have
not yet been tested systematically at city level or across local delivery settings.
Read the report and access supplemental data here.