A Digital World: Perceptions of risk from AI and misuse of personal data.
The use of personal data and artificial intelligence (AI) has grown exponentially in recent years, as more governments, businesses and organisations look to provide smarter and more tailored solutions for their people, customers, and stakeholders.
However, this innovation is not without risk, and regulation has often struggled to keep pace. To understand how people around the world feel about AI and their personal data being used online, this report asks key questions about misuse of personal information and the use of autonomous technologies, such as self-driving cars. The findings reveal valuable insight into how much people trust organisations to use their personal data safely and appropriately.
Watch our video about personal data and artificial intelligence.
Stories
Globally, nearly two thirds of people would not feel safe in self-driving cars
The 2021 World Risk Poll reveals that worldwide, 65% of people say they would not feel safe being driven in a car without a human driver. Just 27% of people globally say they would feel safe, and in no country or region did more than 45% of people say they would feel safe.
People who have experienced discrimination have stronger views on AI and online data use
The World Risk Poll reveals that discrimination plays a key role in people’s thoughts about AI and data misuse. People who have experienced discrimination are more likely to have an opinion on the social impact AI has now, and in the future. Plus, they have a greater concern about theft and misuse of their personal data.
Globally, more than three quarters of people worry about their personal data being stolen online
The 2021 World Risk Poll reveals that at least two-thirds of internet users worldwide are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ worried that their personal information online will be stolen (77%), used by companies for marketing purposes without their permission (74%) or used by the government without their permission (68%).
People and countries with lower incomes most wary of potential harms of AI and personal data misuse
The 2021 World Risk Poll found that people living in low-income and low-middle-income countries are more likely to say AI would ‘mostly harm’ people in their country in the next 20 years. Likewise, views on personal data use also varies by income status. Both findings suggest that people’s level of financial security plays a role in attitudes towards AI and personal data misuse.
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Infographics
Informational graphics for journalists, bloggers and sharing on social media.
Click below to see the full list of infographic assets, free for editorial use and promotion of the 2021 World Risk Poll.
A world of risk: country overviews
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