A comprehensive global survey conducted by the University of Melbourne in partnership with KPMG surveyed over 48, 000 people across 47 countries from November 2024 to January 2025 to explore public trust in artificial intelligence (AI) worldwide. The study highlights notable differences in trust levels between emerging and advanced economies. In emerging economies, 60% of respondents expressed confidence in AI, whereas only 40% of those in advanced economies shared this trust, reflecting how economic and regional contexts shape perceptions of AI. The survey also found that AI usage is widespread and growing, with two-thirds of participants regularly using AI in their daily lives—ranging from personal assistants and automated services to AI-powered tools in work and education. Additionally, 83% of respondents are optimistic about AI’s potential benefits, such as increased productivity, improved healthcare and education, innovation, and economic growth. Despite this optimism, 58% of people harbor some distrust towards AI, a sentiment that has grown since ChatGPT’s 2022 debut spurred broad public discussion about AI’s capabilities and limitations. This skepticism underscores ongoing concerns about AI’s ethical implications and uncertain practical impacts. Nicole Gillespie, the lead researcher, explains that higher trust in emerging economies stems from AI’s tangible benefits in addressing challenges like inadequate infrastructure, educational shortfalls, and limited healthcare access—factors that directly improve quality of life and economic prospects. In contrast, skepticism in advanced economies often relates to worries over privacy, ethics, and job displacement from automation.

Governments and corporations there face the difficult balance of fostering innovation while tackling these ethical and social issues, including privacy protection, transparency in AI decision-making, and workforce adaptation. The survey emphasizes the importance of a nuanced, context-sensitive approach to AI governance. Policymakers should engage communities through transparency, inclusive dialogue, and equitable access to AI benefits. Likewise, businesses are encouraged to uphold responsible AI practices that prioritize ethics and social impact alongside technological advancement. With global reliance on AI expected to grow, bridging the trust gap between regions and addressing user concerns is critical. Developing robust frameworks that balance innovation and ethical standards can ensure AI’s transformative potential benefits society broadly. In summary, the University of Melbourne and KPMG’s extensive survey offers a detailed view of AI perceptions across economic contexts. While enthusiasm for AI’s possibilities is strong, varying trust levels highlight challenges that must be carefully managed. Differences between emerging and advanced economies provide valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to leverage AI effectively and responsibly worldwide.