NZ: Trust Imperative for AI Adoption

New Zealanders Emphasize Trust as Critical for AI Adoption

A recent study commissioned by One NZ underscores the vital role of trust and transparency in the adoption of AI among New Zealanders. The One NZ AI Trust Report reveals that while 77% of New Zealanders have used AI services in the past year, nearly half remain skeptical about large companies using AI ethically. This skepticism highlights the urgent need for companies to prioritize ethical AI practices to gain public confidence.

Key Findings of the Study

The study, which surveyed 1,000 New Zealanders, found that 62% would discontinue using a company’s services if they had concerns about its AI practices. The primary worries included misuse of personal data (67%), job displacement due to AI (65%), and unfair decision-making by AI systems (62%). Despite these concerns, 87% of respondents emphasized the importance of strong data privacy measures in AI deployment.

The report also noted that New Zealanders see potential benefits in AI, such as increased productivity (43%), enhanced cybersecurity (42%), and opportunities for innovation (41%). However, these benefits are overshadowed by a significant trust gap, particularly regarding the use of AI by larger organizations.

Trust Varies Across Industries

The findings indicate that industries such as government, banking, and healthcare face greater challenges in earning public trust for their AI applications. New Zealanders tend to trust small businesses and local firms more than multinational companies when it comes to responsible AI use. Additionally, 48% of respondents expressed concerns about the environmental impact of AI, including energy consumption and potential greenwashing.

To address these trust issues, the report recommends that New Zealand businesses focus on implementing transparent, human-centered AI systems. This includes clear communication about AI practices, robust governance frameworks, and a commitment to fairness in AI deployment.

One NZ’s Perspective on AI Ethics

One NZ CEO Jason Paris emphasized that New Zealand has a significant opportunity to boost productivity through AI, but only if the public trusts its ethical use. He noted that the report was commissioned to understand public perceptions and guide businesses in adopting AI responsibly. "Companies that fail to earn trust will miss out on the full potential of AI," Paris stated.

Paris also highlighted that One NZ has been focusing on ethics and data privacy, which has led to positive outcomes such as improved customer experiences and enhanced fraud protection. He stressed the importance of transparency and human support in AI implementation, advocating for training and skill development to ensure responsible AI use.

"A robust network is essential for harnessing AI’s transformative power," Paris concluded. "AI requires a high-performance, secure network to underpin it. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for organizations to fully realize the potential of AI."