Microsoft’s chief economist says artificial intelligence could pose a major threat to future elections

Speaking at a World Economic Forum panel in Geneva on Wednesday, Michael Schwartz, chief economist at Microsoft, said artificial intelligence could be very dangerous or cause real damage if it falls into the wrong hands.

"I think AI can be used by the bad guys, and yes, it can do real damage." Schwartz said AI could do a lot of damage if used by "spammers" and the like trying to disrupt elections.

He believes people should be more worried about "AI being used by bad people" than about AI being more productive than humans.

According to Schwartz, disinformation caused by AI could be even worse than unemployment.

Schwartz also called for AI to be regulated, but lawmakers should be cautious and wait until the technology causes "real harm" before taking action.

"Remember, it's a lot easier to destroy than it is to build," Schwartz said.

In March, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said: "The age of artificial intelligence has begun. Gates believes the development of AI is as important as the development of other technologies such as the internet and mobile phones, and has the potential to disrupt entire industries.