A major international study conducted by the United Nations has revealed a striking divide in how people around the world perceive artificial intelligence (AI). According to the survey, which spanned 21 countries, trust in AI is significantly stronger in developing nations, particularly in countries like China, India, Nigeria, and Egypt, while skepticism runs deeper in advanced economies such as the United States and many European nations.
The survey found that 83% of respondents in China believe that AI is being used in ways that benefit the public. Similarly high levels of trust were reported in India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Nigeria — all classified as developing nations or economies with medium to high development levels according to the UN’s Human Development Index.
In contrast, only about 37.5% of Americans said they trust AI technologies to serve the public good. This aligns with broader trends observed in other high-income countries, where concerns over privacy, misinformation, surveillance, and job loss are leading to public hesitation.
Why Developing Nations Trust AI More Than the West
In developing countries, trust in artificial intelligence tends to be higher largely because people encounter AI as a practical tool that improves their daily lives in tangible ways. Whether through more accessible healthcare via diagnostics and remote consultations, improved educational experiences through personalized learning platforms, or enhanced agricultural outcomes through predictive tools and pest control systems, AI is often seen as solving real problems in underserved areas.
In sectors like transportation and logistics, AI is also enabling smart routing and mobile payments, further integrating itself into essential services. This has created a perception of AI as a driver of development, especially in regions where technological infrastructure has traditionally lagged behind. Government-led digital strategies, such as China’s “AI Plus” initiative, have further strengthened this narrative by actively promoting AI adoption and positioning it as a symbol of national progress.
By contrast, in wealthier nations, where digital infrastructure is already established, the public has grown more wary of AI’s unintended consequences. Concerns around data privacy breaches, job loss due to automation, biased algorithms, misinformation, and deepfake technology dominate public discourse. The increased media attention and policy debates in these countries reinforce the perception that AI must be treated cautiously and governed carefully, making trust in its widespread use more fragile.
Findings Backed by Global Data
The UN’s findings echo those of a separate 2025 global survey conducted by the University of Melbourne and KPMG, which analyzed responses from over 48,000 people across 47 countries. That study found that 60% of people in developing nations trust AI, compared to just 40% in high-income countries.
Despite the enthusiasm in the Global South, overall global trust in AI systems remains moderate: only 46% of all respondents said they were confident using AI-powered tools or platforms.
Conclusion
AI is transforming societies, but how it is perceived — and trusted — varies widely across the globe. In developing countries, AI is seen as a driver of opportunity and improvement. In the developed world, it’s often met with caution, raising complex ethical and regulatory questions.
The challenge now is to bridge the trust gap — not by downplaying legitimate risks, but by ensuring that AI is implemented with transparency, responsibility, and public engagement. As AI continues to evolve, understanding these regional trust dynamics will be key to shaping a future where innovation benefits all.
Prepared by Navruzakhon Burieva
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