GENEVA: The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified misinformation and disinformation driven by artificial intelligence as the most significant global risks in the short term, with concerns escalating ahead of major elections in major economies, according to the Global Risks Report 2024 released on Wednesday.
The report, released in anticipation of the annual meeting of political and business elites in Davos next week, outlined that AI-driven misinformation and disinformation pose immediate threats, while long-term concerns include climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, and geopolitical tensions leading to war.
The WEF highlighted, “Misinformation and disinformation are the biggest short-term risks, while extreme weather and critical changes to Earth systems are the greatest long-term concerns.”
The survey, conducted in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group and consulting firm Marsh McLennan, incorporated the perspectives of over 1,400 global risk experts, policymakers, and industry leaders surveyed in September.
Misinformation and Disinformation Risk
The report emphasized that the most severe global risk anticipated over the next two years is the exploitation of misinformation and disinformation by foreign and domestic actors. With nearly three billion people expected to vote in national elections, including in major economies like India, Indonesia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the widespread use of misinformation could undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments.
The WEF underscored the risk of conflict contagion, citing ongoing conflicts, underlying geopolitical tensions, and societal resilience erosion as contributing factors. It urged attention to addressing the intertwined risks of AI-driven misinformation, disinformation, and societal polarization.
