NextFin news, On October 15, 2025, the Pew Research Center published a landmark global survey analyzing public perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) across 25 countries spanning Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East-North Africa region, North America, and sub-Saharan Africa. Conducted between January and April 2025, the survey involved 28,333 adults interviewed via phone, face-to-face, and online methods, complemented by two waves of U.S. data collected in March and June 2025 from over 8,600 adults through the American Trends Panel. The study aimed to capture awareness levels, emotional responses, and trust in various entities to regulate AI effectively amid its rapid integration into daily life.
The survey found that a median of 34% of adults globally have heard a lot about AI, while 47% have heard a little, and only 14% remain unaware. Despite this high awareness, concern about AI’s expanding presence outweighs excitement in most countries. A median of 34% of respondents reported being more concerned than excited, 42% were equally concerned and excited, and only 16% were more excited. Notably, concern was highest in the United States, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and Greece, where about half of adults expressed predominant worry. Conversely, South Korea showed the lowest concern at 16%.
Regarding trust in AI regulation, the majority of respondents trust their own country’s government to manage AI effectively, with India (89%), Indonesia (74%), and Israel (72%) showing the highest confidence. The United States presents a divided picture, with 44% trusting and 47% distrusting its regulatory capacity. Globally, the European Union (EU) enjoys the highest median trust at 53%, followed by the U.S. at 37%, and China at 27%. Trust levels in the EU vary widely among member states, with Germany and the Netherlands most trusting, while France, Greece, Italy, and Poland are less so. Political ideology and demographic factors, such as age and education, also influence trust patterns, with right-leaning individuals more likely to trust the U.S. and EU, and younger adults showing greater trust in China.
These findings emerge amid the backdrop of President Donald Trump’s administration, inaugurated in January 2025, which has emphasized a distinct approach to technology governance and international relations. The survey’s timing provides a critical snapshot of global attitudes during a period of accelerated AI adoption and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The widespread awareness of AI across diverse economies, particularly in high-income countries like Japan, Germany, France, and the U.S., reflects the technology’s pervasive media coverage and integration into consumer and enterprise applications. However, the pronounced concern over AI’s societal impact signals public apprehension about job displacement, privacy erosion, ethical dilemmas, and potential misuse. The relatively low excitement levels suggest that while AI’s benefits are recognized, fears about unintended consequences dominate public discourse.
The trust disparities in regulatory authorities highlight the complex interplay between national identity, geopolitical perceptions, and institutional credibility. The EU’s higher trust rating may be attributed to its proactive regulatory frameworks, such as the AI Act, which emphasize transparency, accountability, and human-centric AI development. In contrast, skepticism toward China’s regulatory role reflects broader geopolitical tensions and concerns about authoritarian governance models. The U.S.’s split trust aligns with domestic political polarization, where Republicans show more confidence in government regulation than Democrats, indicating that AI governance is becoming a partisan issue.
Demographic analyses reveal that younger adults are more aware and generally more trusting of AI and its regulators, possibly due to greater digital literacy and exposure. Higher education correlates with increased trust in the EU’s regulatory capacity, suggesting that informed populations may appreciate nuanced governance approaches. These demographic trends imply that public opinion on AI will continue to evolve as generational shifts and educational attainment progress.
Looking forward, these global attitudes present both challenges and opportunities for policymakers and industry leaders. The prevalent concern necessitates transparent communication, robust ethical standards, and inclusive policymaking to build public trust. The variation in trust toward different regulatory bodies underscores the need for international cooperation and harmonization of AI governance to address cross-border risks and foster innovation.
Moreover, the data suggest that countries with higher trust in their governments or regional bodies may experience smoother AI integration, benefiting from public support for regulatory measures. Conversely, nations with low trust may face resistance, complicating efforts to implement AI safeguards and standards. The partisan divide in the U.S. signals potential policy volatility, which could affect the country’s leadership role in global AI governance.
In conclusion, the Pew Research Center’s 2025 global survey provides a nuanced understanding of how AI is perceived worldwide—marked by high awareness, predominant concern, and complex trust dynamics. These insights are crucial for shaping effective AI policies that balance innovation with societal well-being, ensuring that AI’s transformative potential is realized responsibly and equitably across nations.
According to Pew Research Center, these findings represent a critical barometer of public sentiment as AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, underscoring the imperative for governments, industry, and civil society to engage collaboratively in shaping AI’s future.
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