The AI Trust Imperative: Navigating the Future with Confidence
Justin Westcott, Global Technology Chair

Fifteen years ago, tech was the engine of optimism. It unlocked possibilities, created new industries, and made life more efficient. Today, AI stands at the center of the next big leap forward. But with great potential comes great scrutiny. Trust is no longer a given, it must be earned.

The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer with Insights for the Technology Sector delivers a clear message: AI is at an inflection point. The path ahead isn’t about hype or fear it’s about proving its value, demonstrating responsibility, and bringing society along for the journey.

The Trust Landscape: A Global Perspective

AI trust is divided. In China, 72% of people express trust in AI. In the U.S., that number drops to 32%. This isn’t just a difference in policy or regulation it’s a reflection of how societies perceive risk, control, and opportunity. Some see AI as a force for progress, while others worry about its unintended consequences.

Trust disparities don’t stop at national borders. Older adults, those with a lower-income, and women are less likely to trust AI. This signals an opportunity: AI leaders who address these concerns directly through inclusion, transparency, and demonstrated benefits will be the ones who build durable trust.

The Tech Industry’s Moment of Leadership
A decade ago, 73% of Americans trusted technology companies. Today, that number is 63%. This shift reflects a growing perception that technology is no longer just a tool for progress it is also a source of anxiety. Fifty-nine percent of global employees fear job displacement due to automation, and 63% of people worry about foreign countries waging an information war. AI is seen as more consequential than ever, raising concerns about job security, fairness, and truth in the digital age.

But this isn’t about rejecting innovation. People want to see AI deployed in ways that enhance lives, protect security, and create shared value. Concerns about automation and misinformation, while significant, are not insurmountable. They serve as a call for thoughtful design, strong oversight, and proactive engagement to ensure AI delivers on its promise.

The Business of AI: Trust as a Competitive Advantage
AI isn’t just about efficiency t’s about impact. Only 44% of people globally feel comfortable with businesses using AI, and in the U.S., that number is even lower. This presents a clear challenge: organizations that fail to address trust concerns will face resistance. The ones that prioritize transparency, fairness, and clear use cases will be best positioned to build long-term trust and drive meaningful adoption, and seize competitive advantage.

The AI Playbook: Steps to Build Trust
Earning trust isn’t a one-time initiative it’s an ongoing commitment. Companies leading in AI adoption should focus on:

• Transparency First: Explain how AI works, what it does, and who benefits.
• Proactive Governance: Getting ahead of regulation ensures AI is safe, fair, and accountable.
• Demonstrated Impact: Real-world applications that improve lives will drive acceptance and trust.
• Engaging the Public: Listening, responding, and including diverse voices in AI’s evolution will strengthen confidence.

The Future of AI: From Promise to Partnership
AI’s next chapter won’t be defined by technology alone it will be shaped by the trust it earns. Companies that embrace transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation will lead this transformation.

The opportunity is clear: AI can be a force for progress, efficiency, and inclusion. But it will take deliberate action to ensure that people trust its potential as much as they believe in its power. The future may include AI reshaping the workforce, but the industry must do a better job of illustrating what that means new industries emerging, jobs evolving, and productivity gains fueling economic growth. AI is not just about automation; it's about augmentation, unlocking human potential in ways we have yet to fully realize. The companies that get this right will shape the next era of innovation and prosperity.