Global Trust in Generative AI Grows Despite Regulatory Gaps

In a world increasingly captivated by artificial intelligence (AI), a recent study from SAS, a leader in data and AI technologies, shows a marked rise in confidence toward generative AI (GenAI). However, this optimism is juxtaposed against alarming deficiencies in ethical safeguards and governance practices.

The report, compiled by IDC and titled "Impact of Data and AI: The Imperative of Trust," indicates responses from over 2,375 professionals across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, who expressed their views on the usage, impact, and trustworthiness of AI technologies.

Interestingly, the data reveals that 60% of organizations that prioritize trustworthy AI are significantly more likely to double their return on investment (ROI) from AI projects. This statistic starkly highlights the economic implications of neglecting responsible AI practices, with organizations bearing the heavy cost of insufficient governance measures.

High Confidence in GenAI
Contrary to traditional forms of AI, executives and IT leaders reported having greater confidence in GenAI than any other AI variant. A noteworthy 48% of respondents claimed to have "complete trust" in generative AI, compared to only 33% for agentic AI, and a mere 18% for traditional AI forms. This rising confidence, however, raises questions regarding the reliability and accuracy of these technologies.

According to Kathy Lange, Research Director of the AI and Automation Practice at IDC, this disparity in trust underscores an inherent contradiction: “The forms of AI that mimic human interactions appear to inspire more confidence, regardless of their actual reliability or accuracy.” This sentiment prompts critical inquiries for AI stakeholders: Is GenAI genuinely trustworthy, and are sufficient governance measures being adopted?

Concerns Amidst Rising Trust
Despite the growing confidence in GenAI, survey respondents voiced significant concerns. Approximately 62% expressed worries about data privacy, while 57% highlighted the lack of transparency and explainability, and 56% raised ethical usage concerns. This growing apprehension comes at a time when quantum AI is gaining credibility, with 26% of decision-makers expressing complete trust in this emerging technology, even though most use cases are still in developmental stages.

The Impact of Regulatory Gaps
The IDC study admits a rapid uptick in using GenAI and traditional AI but signals an ethical alarm. Nearly 80% of organizations reported having full trust in AI technologies, yet only 40% invest in governance, explainability, and ethical protections to make their systems genuinely reliable. Alarmingly, prioritizing reliable AI practices appears to be a low priority, with a dismal 2% focusing on AI governance frameworks and less than 10% developing responsible AI policies.

The disconnect between trust levels and real reliability highlights a significant barrier to maximizing the potential of AI investments. The report categorizes companies as "leaders" or "followers," indicating that those committing to trustworthy AI practices are 1.6 times more likely to double their project ROI.

Barriers to Success
The research also identified three primary obstacles hindering successful AI implementations: weak data foundations, inadequate governance, and a lack of internal AI expertise. Almost half of the surveyed organizations reported struggles with non-centralized data sources or poorly optimized cloud environments. With 58% highlighting difficulties in accessing pertinent data sources, the study stresses the urgent need for improved governance and data quality.

As Bryan Harris, Chief Technology Officer at SAS, aptly puts it, “It is imperative for the sake of society, businesses, and employees, that AI be trustworthy. To achieve this, we must elevate the rates of successful AI implementations, critically evaluate AI outcomes, and empower leaders to leverage AI efficiently.”

For further insights, the full report can be accessed via SAS.

SAS will host a LinkedIn Live panel discussion featuring Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, SAS, Deloitte, and an IDC representative to delve deeper into the findings presented in the report.

Conclusion

As we navigate this evolving landscape of generative AI, the urgency of establishing robust ethical guidelines and governance measures cannot be overstated. With the potential for significant ROI on AI investments, organizations that prioritize responsible practices will not only foster trust but also lead the way in the future of technology.