\n<\/p>\n
The World Economic Forum (WEF) called<\/a> for governments, media groups, and tech companies to make a \u201cconcerted effort\u201d against \u201cdisinformation.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGovernments, media organizations, tech companies and civil society must collaborate to create a multi-layered defence against the spread of false information,\u201d according to the WEF. \u201cEmpowering Internet users with media information literacy, ensuring the independence and viability of news organizations, and leveraging technology to distinguish between credible journalism and disinformation are vital to countering the spread of false information.\u201d<\/p>\n The organization blamed the alleged proliferation of disinformation on a \u201cfragmented media ecosystem,\u201d leading to an \u201cerosion of trust across societies.\u201d<\/p>\n According to the WEF, rebuilding \u201ctrust\u201d in the \u201cage of disinformation\u201d requires a \u201cfocus on fostering media literacy, reinforcing the independence and sustainability of quality news organizations, and embrace an openness to innovation and the responsible adoption of AI, among other measures.\u201d<\/p>\n In January, the WEF declared<\/a> that \u201cmisinformation and disinformation are biggest short-term risks, while extreme weather and critical change to Earth systems are greatest long-term concern.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs close to three billion people are expected to head to the electoral polls across several economies \u2013 including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, the United Kingdom and the United States \u2013 over the next two years, the widespread use of misinformation and disinformation, and tools to disseminate it, may undermine the legitimacy of newly elected governments,\u201d a report stated. \u201cResulting unrest could range from violent protests and hate crimes to civil confrontation and terrorism.\u201d<\/p>\n The emphasis on \u201ctrust\u201d comes as the WEF\u2019s 2024 Davos meeting centered on the theme, \u201cRebuilding Trust.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability,\u201d a\u00a0statement<\/a>\u00a0read.<\/p>\n