But climate change leading to extreme weather events remains the biggest concern over the long term, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual survey.

The poll of more than 1,400 global risk experts, policymakers and industry leaders revealed major concerns that false information will be used to further widen societal and political divides.

It comes at a time of conflict in regions including the Middle East and Ukraine, which leaders fear will be worsened by new technologies.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to fuel the spread of false news, amid the rise of "deepfake" videos appearing on social media.

The business leaders polled said they thought misinformation and disinformation – the latter of which refers to news deliberately intended to deceive people – is the biggest worldwide risk over the next two years.

It overtakes the cost-of-living crisis as the most urgent threat, according to the analysis by the WEF and compiled with Marsh McLennan and Zurich Insurance Group.

Close to three billion people are expected to face elections in several countries including Bangladesh, India, Mexico, the UK and the US over the next two years, the WEF said.