In the 2025 Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum has identified misinformation and disinformation as some of the most significant global threats facing societies today. Based on the findings of the Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-2025 (GRPS) from across 900 experts worldwide, the report analyses global risks through three timeframes to support decision-makers in balancing current crises and longer-term priorities.
Disinformation and Misinformation are no longer limited to niche concerns or isolated incidents; the manipulation of information is now recognized as a systemic challenge with far-reaching implications.
The report explores that the rapid spread of false or misleading content online is likely going to erode trust in public institutions, fuel political polarization, and destabilize democracies. As people struggle to distinguish between fact and fiction, the credibility of media, science, and governance is increasingly under pressure. This erosion of trust often results in public apathy, civic disengagement, and in extreme cases, violent extremism or unrest.
One of the core concerns raised is the increasing use of artificial intelligence to produce convincing fake content such as deepfake videos and AI-generated news articles that are difficult for the average user to identify. With elections scheduled in many parts of the world in 2025 and beyond, the potential for disinformation to sway public opinion or delegitimize outcomes poses a clear danger.
The report also underscores the interconnectedness of global risks, pointing out that disinformation doesn’t operate in isolation. It amplifies other threats, including public health crises, climate change denial, and economic instability. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation about vaccines and health guidelines severely undermined public safety measures, prolonging the crisis and costing lives.
Governments, civil society organizations, and technology companies are urged to take proactive measures. These include investing in digital literacy education, strengthening fact-checking mechanisms, and regulating the use of AI tools without stifling innovation.
The report emphasizes that a multi-stakeholder approach combining technological solutions, ethical media practices, and civic engagement is essential to combat this growing threat.
The elevation of misinformation and disinformation to the top tier of global risks reflects a fundamental truth of the digital age: the battle for truth is now central to the stability and resilience of societies worldwide.