Disinformation is World’s Biggest Immediate Threat

The World Economic Forum Highlights Weaponisation of Technology

Newsreel Asia Insight #108
Jan. 19, 2024

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2024 identifies the rapid rise and spread of misinformation and disinformation as the most significant global risk over the next two years, shedding light on  the nuances of this risk, its implications and the underlying factors that contribute to its proliferation.

This risk is characterised by the deliberate spread of false information, often through digital platforms, which has the potential to manipulate public opinion, destabilise societies and disrupt democratic processes, says the report, adding that the phenomenon is not limited to any single region but is a global concern, with widespread implications.

At the heart of this risk is the role of technology, it points out. While advancements in artificial intelligence and digital communication have democratised information access, these technologies have also been weaponised to create and disseminate false content at an unprecedented scale and speed. The report highlights how sophisticated technologies like deepfake algorithms are blurring the lines between reality and fiction, making it increasingly challenging to distinguish authentic information from falsehoods.

The report places particular emphasis on the impact of misinformation on electoral processes, citing the upcoming elections in countries like India as significant points of concern. In these scenarios, misinformation can influence voter behaviour, undermine the legitimacy of elections, and, in extreme cases, incite violence and civil unrest. This aspect of misinformation poses a direct threat to the foundation of democratic systems.

During the 2019 general election in India, political parties reportedly disseminated propaganda about their rivals to secure votes, a tactic highlighted by The Atlantic magazine. In November 2023, Outlook magazine spotlighted the use of artificial intelligence by leading political consultancies throughout India. These consultancies inundated the nation’s young electorate with manipulative deepfake videos.

The WEF report explores how different age groups are affected by misinformation. Younger populations, more engaged with digital platforms, are at a higher risk of both encountering and spreading misinformation. This demographic divide complicates efforts to mitigate the risk, as it indicates that the most technologically savvy segments of society are also the most vulnerable.

An important dimension covered in the report is the use of misinformation in geopolitical contexts. State and non-state actors are increasingly employing misinformation as a tool to advance their geopolitical agendas. This strategy has implications that go beyond internal societal dynamics, potentially leading to escalated international tensions and conflicts.

For example, Russian operatives used platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread false information and sow discord in the United States during the 2016 presidential election, as reported by The Guardian. They created fake accounts that appeared to be legitimate American entities or individuals, using these to influence public opinion and amplify divisive social issues. This deepened political divisions within the United States, eroding public trust in democratic institutions and processes.

The report suggests that solving this complex problem requires teamwork between governments, tech companies and community groups. It highlights the importance of creating technology that can identify and control misinformation. This should be balanced with rules that safeguard free speech, it cautions.

Education and public awareness are highlighted as critical in building societal resilience against misinformation. Enhancing digital literacy, especially among younger demographics, can empower individuals to critically assess information sources and resist the influence of false content. Such educational initiatives should focus on fostering critical thinking and media literacy skills, the report recommends.

Looking beyond the immediate, the report discusses the long-term consequences of unchecked misinformation. It warns of a future where diminished trust in institutions and eroded social cohesion could become the norm, with profound implications for governance and democracy.