A newly released report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted the significant global risks posed by AI-driven misinformation and disinformation ahead of major elections. The report, titled “Global Risks Report 2024,” also identified other key risks, including climate change, the cost-of-living crisis, and ongoing conflicts.
While extreme weather and critical changes to Earth systems were flagged as the greatest long-term concerns, the report emphasized that misinformation and disinformation driven by AI present the biggest short-term risks. The interplay of these risks with the persistent cost-of-living crisis and societal polarization dominated the outlook for 2024.
The WEF survey, conducted in collaboration with Zurich Insurance Group and consulting firm Marsh McLennan, incorporated the opinions of over 1,400 global risks experts, policymakers, and industry leaders. Their collective views indicate that misinformation and disinformation, leveraged by both foreign and domestic actors, will be employed to further widen societal and political divides in the coming years.
The report underscored the potential repercussions of widespread misinformation and disinformation campaigns on the legitimacy of newly elected governments. With close to three billion people expected to vote in national elections over the next two years, including in major economies such as Ireland, India, Indonesia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the stakes are high. Additionally, EU Parliament elections in June are of particular concern due to the unique vulnerabilities of the 27 EU-nations voting together.
The report’s findings align with recent developments in Slovakia, where an AI-generated audio recording was circulated prior to the general election, seemingly capturing the leader of the Progressive Slovakia party proposing a controversial policy. Similar concerns have been raised by Fianna Fáil senators in Ireland, who warned that AI manipulations could greatly amplify the disinformation threat to elections, including the potential emergence of deepfake videos during critical periods.
With the upcoming annual meeting in Davos, the WEF intends to address these pressing global risks head-on. Attendees, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Middle East leaders, will engage in discussions regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The participation of other prominent figures, such as Argentina’s new president Javier Milei, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, highlights the high-profile nature of the event.
As the threat landscape evolves, the need for proactive measures to combat AI-driven misinformation and disinformation becomes increasingly clear. Governments, tech companies, and international organizations must work together to develop effective strategies to safeguard the integrity of elections and protect democratic processes from undue influence.
The source of the article is from the blog girabetim.com.br