Trust in AI highest in China, lagging in West, UN study reveals

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — A new United Nations study highlights a global split on trust in artificial intelligence, with faith in the technology strongest among people in low- and middle-income countries and much weaker in wealthier nations.

UNDP survey reveals global differences in AI trust levels

According to a UN Development Programme (UNDP) survey of 21 countries, more than six out of ten respondents in developing nations believe that AI serves the best interests of society. 

In two-thirds of all countries surveyed, a majority expressed some level of confidence that AI is being designed for good.

China and developing nations lead in AI confidence

Nowhere is trust higher than in China, where 83% of those surveyed expressed confidence in AI, as the nation makes rapid technological advances that are challenging U.S. dominance in the sector. 

Similarly, other developing countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan reported strong faith in AI, regardless of their ranking on the UNDP’s Human Development Index (HDI).

The survey reveals a sense of optimism in these countries, with many respondents expecting AI to enhance productivity within the next year.

Wealthy nations show greater skepticism towards AI

In contrast, those in higher-income countries with “very high” HDI scores, including the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Greece, were generally more skeptical. 

Trust in AI systems and the institutions behind them was substantially lower. An exception is Japan, where 65% of respondents still placed trust in artificial intelligence.

UNDP researchers did not pinpoint the reasons behind these trust gaps. However, Heriberto Tapia, a research and strategic partnership advisor at the agency, underlined the importance of public perception:

“If a company produces a new technology, but people do not trust it, then people are just not going to use it,” he said.

Public trust in government use of AI mirrors global trends

The study also found that confidence in governments’ ability to use AI for improving people’s lives closely mirrors these patterns. Once again, developing countries expressed more trust than their wealthier counterparts.

Overall, the research suggests that individuals in developing nations not only trust AI more but also have higher expectations for its benefits in the near future. As AI continues to transform economies and societies, understanding these divides will be crucial for both global policymakers and tech developers.