Global Survey Reveals Higher AI Trust in Emerging Economies Amid Widespread Adoption

Global AI Adoption and Trust Landscape

A comprehensive global survey conducted by the University of Melbourne and KPMG has unveiled significant insights into the adoption and trust of artificial intelligence (AI) across different economies. The study, which surveyed over 48,000 people in 47 countries between November 2024 and January 2025, reveals a nuanced picture of AI perception worldwide 1

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Widespread AI Usage and Optimism

The survey found that two-thirds of respondents are now using AI regularly, indicating a substantial integration of AI technologies into daily life. Even more striking is that 83% of those surveyed believe AI will bring about a wide range of benefits, showcasing a generally optimistic outlook on the technology's potential 1

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Trust Divide Between Emerging and Advanced Economies

A clear dichotomy emerged in the trust levels between emerging and advanced economies:

• In emerging economies, three out of five people express trust in AI.
• In advanced countries, only two out of five people trust AI 1

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Nicole Gillespie, the study leader and chair of trust at Melbourne Business School, attributes this higher trust in emerging economies to "the greater relative benefits and opportunities the technology affords people in these countries and the increasingly important role it plays in economic development" 1

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Concerns About AI Trustworthiness

Despite the overall optimism, the survey revealed that 58% of respondents view AI as untrustworthy. This marks an increase from a previous study conducted before the release of ChatGPT in 2022, suggesting that the rapid advancements in AI capabilities may have heightened public concerns 1

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Balancing Innovation and Ethics

As AI continues to gain broader use, the survey highlights the ongoing challenge for businesses and governments in balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Key issues include:

• Job displacement concerns
• Data privacy protection
• Ensuring safe and secure use of AI technologies 1

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Gillespie emphasized, "The public's trust of AI technologies and their safe and secure use is central to sustained acceptance and adoption" 1

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Implications for Global AI Development

The survey's findings have significant implications for the global development and implementation of AI technologies. The higher trust and optimism in emerging economies could potentially lead to faster adoption and more innovative applications of AI in these regions. Conversely, the lower trust levels in advanced economies might result in more cautious approaches and stricter regulatory frameworks 1

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As the AI landscape continues to evolve, these insights will likely play a crucial role in shaping policies, business strategies, and public engagement initiatives related to artificial intelligence across different economic contexts.