China 2019 - Can AI Be Trusted?

TL;DR

The global public is concerned about the use of artificial intelligence, with over 40% of respondents expressing worry about its use. Companies are seen as less trustworthy than the government, and there is a need for more regulation and transparency in AI technologies.

Transcript

to the first issue briefing of the annual meeting of new champions 2019 I'm Oliver Kahn I'm head of strategic communications here at the World Economic Forum very very proud to be on this panel a brief word before we start issue briefings are meant to be a bit of fun they're very short hopefully they're high-energy hopefully we discuss topics they'... Read More

Key Insights

• 🇨🇫 Public opinion is catching up with the ethical implications of AI technologies.
• 😊 Companies need to move beyond PR and cosmetic reforms to become genuinely trustworthy.
• 🔒 Concerns about AI go beyond technology itself and include job displacement and security issues.
• ☸️ Governments have a role to protect citizens from unforeseen harms, even if they are not widely understood.
• 🌐 Global perceptions about AI and concerns vary across different countries.
• 🇨🇫 Data privacy and bias in AI technologies are significant concerns for the public.
• 🏛️ Transparency and responsible deployment are crucial for building trust.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main concerns people have regarding the use of AI?

The survey shows that people are mainly concerned about data privacy and how companies and governments use their data. There is also a fear of job loss due to automation.

Q: Why are companies seen as less trustworthy than the government?

One possible reason is that companies are often seen as seeking commercial gain, while government use of AI is perceived to have more altruistic intentions. Corporate actions and biases within AI technologies also contribute to this perception.

Q: How can companies and governments address public concerns and build trust?

Companies need to prioritize transparency and responsible deployment of AI technologies. They must clearly communicate how data is collected, used, and protected. Governments should create frameworks and regulations that ensure AI technologies are used ethically and responsibly.

Q: How can the concerns around AI be balanced with the benefits it offers?

People need to be better informed about the societal benefits that AI can bring, such as in healthcare and accessibility. Companies and governments should highlight these benefits while also addressing the concerns and biases associated with AI technology.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A global survey conducted across 27 countries reveals that 41% of respondents are worried about the use of AI, while only 20% disagreed.

• Nearly half of the respondents believe that companies should be more regulated in their use of AI, while 40% feel the same for government use of AI.

• Concerns about AI are consistent across different demographic groups, although younger people and those with higher education tend to have slightly less concern.