A sweeping new report from KPMG and Melbourne Business School finds a widening gap between public trust and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), as nearly 87% of global respondents call for stronger regulation amid rising concerns about misinformation and ethical usage.
Titled Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025, the research draws insights from over 48,000 people across 47 countries and highlights both enthusiasm and apprehension toward AI’s impact on society, workplaces, education, and economies.
While AI adoption is accelerating across industries, the report flags a lack of adequate training, oversight, and regulation.
Only 40% of respondents reported having received AI-related training or education, and more than half expressed cautious optimism combined with concern about trusting AI systems.
A striking 61% of workers admitted to using AI in ways they didn’t disclose to employers, and 47% used it in potentially complacent or suboptimal ways.
“Trust remains the cornerstone of AI’s long-term success,” said Majid Makki, Partner and Head of IT Advisory at KPMG Kuwait. “Without responsible governance and a unified effort from business leaders, educators, regulators, and society at large, AI’s transformative potential will remain underutilized or even counterproductive.”
Emerging economies reported notably higher levels of AI adoption and optimism. Three in five respondents in developing markets said they trust AI, compared to just two in five in advanced economies.
These markets also showed greater openness to using AI in both personal and professional contexts.
The report underscores the urgent need for updated regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and literacy initiatives. Among students, 76% admitted to using AI-generated content without reviewing its accuracy, while 81% relied on AI to complete assignments rather than learning independently—underscoring the risks of unchecked AI use in education.
To address these gaps, KPMG introduced its Trusted AI framework, aimed at making AI trust measurable and actionable for organizations.
As AI continues to reshape industries, the report calls for coordinated global efforts to promote transparency, strengthen regulatory oversight, and foster responsible innovation.