The UK public can see the potential benefits of data but are concerned about how it is used and becoming more pessimistic about AI’s impact on society, according to newly published research.
The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) has highlighted the findings in the third version of its tracker survey on public attitudes to data and AI.
It says that people increasingly recognise the potential societal benefits of using data, pointing to the the cost of living, health and the economy as the domains in which it can do the most good. But they are also concerned about security, despite growing confidence that organisations will face consequences for any breaches.
There are particular worries about AI. The understanding of the technology has grown since large language models came to the fore late last year, and increasing numbers of people are anxious about the consequences for society.
While AI is expected to produce day-to-day convenience and improved public services, there are also fears that it will replace jobs and could produce existential risks.
Dependent on uses
Attitudes vary on specific uses of AI, with a positive response to the prospect of it being used in detecting cancer and identifying people needing financial support, but aversion to its application in marking students’ work or assessing a person’s risk of failing to repay a loan.
The survey also found that people with a low digital familiarity feel less in control of their data, but increasingly recognise that it can be used to produce benefits, and trust in accountability for its misuse.
Addressing risks
In an accompanying blogpost, Sylvie Hobden and Dea Begaj of the CDEI, said: “In order to unlock the benefits of these emerging technologies, the Government recognises that it must address risks at a national level and through international forums.
“Our proportionate and context based approach to AI regulation is designed to ensure that we have the right guardrails in place to responsibly reap the benefits of AI. Public engagement, including this tracker survey, will play an important role in ensuring that these guardrails foster justified public trust and equitable outcomes as the technology continues to evolve.”
The survey was based on a sample of 4,000 UK residents and telephone research with a further 200 with very low familiarity with digital technology.
