The World Economic Forum’s “Global Risks Report 2024” has identified artificial intelligence’s role in election disruption as the top global risk for the year. This concern surpasses climate change, war, and economic instability. The report, a collaboration between the WEF, Marsh McLennan, and Zurich Insurance Group, highlights AI-driven misinformation and disinformation as key factors contributing to societal polarization. Over 1,400 global risk experts, policymakers, and industry leaders contributed to this assessment.
Carolina Klint from Marsh McLennan emphasized the unprecedented influence AI models could have on voter behavior. The report also forecasts a shift in risk focus over the next decade, with extreme weather conditions and significant changes in the political world order becoming more prominent.
The WEF calls for global cooperation and the establishment of guardrails against emerging disruptive risks. The report’s release coincides with a critical election year globally, including major polls in the U.S., India, Russia, South Africa, and Mexico.
The Eurasia Group’s separate 2024 global risks report also underscores the significance of the U.S. election and the challenges posed by “ungoverned AI.”
Sources include: CNBC