Story perspectives

Khan Marks Ten Years, Blames ‘Outrage Economy’ for Disinfo Surge

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that “outrage economy” has increased disinformation, causing a 200 % rise in unsafe content and a 350 % surge in anti-migrant rhetoric.
Khan marked ten years as mayor, citing a coalition of Tory remainers, Greens, Liberal Democrats and Labour supporters, Ultra-Low Emission Zone coverage, 640,000 trees, a cycle-network and electric-bus rollout.
He noted attacks from President Donald Trump and far-right groups as homicide rates remain at historic lows.

History

Historical Context

After the 23 June 2016 Brexit referendum, which saw 51.9% vote to leave, the UK faced a wave of online disinformation—research uncovered 13,493 pro-Leave Twitter accounts posting roughly 65,000 messages in the campaign’s final weeks. Russian meddling allegations and Cambridge Analytica’s data targeting have prompted Mayor Sadiq Khan to warn of an “outrage economy” shaping policies such as London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone.

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Story summary

Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that “outrage economy” has increased disinformation, causing a 200 % rise in unsafe content and a 350 % surge in anti-migrant rhetoric.
Khan marked ten years as mayor, citing a coalition of Tory remainers, Greens, Liberal Democrats and Labour supporters, Ultra-Low Emission Zone coverage, 640,000 trees, a cycle-network and electric-bus rollout.
He noted attacks from President Donald Trump and far-right groups as homicide rates remain at historic lows.

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