FOI - Misinformation and disinformation in London [May 2026]

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request the following information regarding the analysis unit within the GLA whose research "has shown an increase of between 150% and 200% in online narratives describing London as particularly dangerous over the past two years." (referenced here: Sadiq Khan demands stronger action on social media ‘outrage economy’ | Social media | The Guardian)

1. The formal name of the unit or team responsible for monitoring and analysing online narratives about London, including disinformation.
2. The date on which this unit was established.
3. The number of full-time equivalent (FTE) staff currently assigned to or employed within this unit, and the number at the point of its establishment.
4. The total expenditure on this unit in each financial year since its creation, broken down by: (a) staff costs; (b) external consultancy or contractor costs; (c) software, tools, or platform subscriptions; (d) any other operational costs.
5. The unit's terms of reference, mandate, or equivalent founding document setting out its purpose and scope.

Our response

There is no single unit or team whose purpose is to monitor online narratives about London. A variety of teams across the GLA have access to social listening tools to inform a variety of functions. The report referenced in the speech was published on the datastore and was produced by the City Intelligence Unit as a one-off piece of work.

Misinformation and disinformation in London: risks and responses - London Datastore