World Economic Forum: AI-Driven Misinformation is Biggest Short-Term Threat to Global Economy

In its annual risks report, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified a surge in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven misinformation and disinformation as the most significant short-term threat to the global economy. The report, based on the opinions of 1,400 experts, expresses deep concern about the potential influence of false information on key upcoming elections, leading to political disruptions, societal unrest, and government crackdowns.

With elections scheduled in countries representing 60% of global GDP, including the UK, the US, the EU, and India, the nexus between falsified information and social unrest is expected to take center stage during campaigns.

The WEF's report highlights the distinction between misinformation (false or inaccurate information) and disinformation (deliberately false content used for propaganda and spreading fear). In the short term (two-year horizon), the top five risks include misinformation and disinformation, extreme weather events, societal polarization, cyber insecurity, and interstate armed conflict.

The report emphasizes the amplified threat posed by AI breakthroughs, which could disrupt the risk outlook for organizations, making them vulnerable to threats arising from misinformation, disintermediation, and strategic miscalculation.

In the longer term (10-year horizon), the top five risks identified by experts are extreme weather events, critical change to earth systems, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, natural resource shortages, and misinformation and disinformation. Two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about extreme weather events in 2024, with varying views on the urgency of the risks. Private sector respondents believed that most environmental risks would materialize over a longer timeframe than civil society or government, indicating the growing risk of reaching a point of no return.