The surge in AI adoption, coupled with low AI literacy and weak governance is creating a complex risk environment, with many organisations deploying AI without proper consideration to what is needed to ensure transparency, accountability and ethical oversight.
KPMG has partnered with the University of Melbourne to produce the most comprehensive global study into the public’s trust, use and attitudes towards AI.
This year, the survey included more than 48,000 people and has been expanded to 47 countries, to provide a deeper level of insight into the perceptions of AI across the globe.
Download the report: Trust in artificial intelligence
Trust, attitudes and use of artificial intelligence
Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025
Australia insights
What is Australia's attitude towards AI?
Understanding AI: The big picture
The KPMG and University of Melbourne Trust in AI Survey Report 2025 paints a complex picture of how people feel about AI.
While AI use is high, trust and literacy levels are quite varied among different countries, with emerging economies leading in both areas. Concerns about AI risks are prevalent, highlighting the need for effective regulation and governance.
Overall, there is a clear ambivalence towards AI. People appreciate its technical capabilities yet remain cautious about its safety and societal impact. This complex mix of feelings has led to moderate to low acceptance of AI and an increase in worry over time.
Given the huge potential of AI technologies, careful management and understanding public expectations around regulation and governance will be pivotal in guiding its responsible development and use.
About the research
The team behind the research
Professor Nicole Gillespie, Dr Steve Lockey, Alexandria Macdade, Tabi Ward, and Gerard Hassed.
The University of Melbourne research team led the design, conduct, data collection, analysis, and reporting of this research.
Acknowledgments
Advisory group: James Mabbott, Jessica Wyndham, Nicola Stone, Sam Gloede, Dan Konigsburg, Sam Burns, Kathryn Wright, Melany Eli, Rita Fentener van Vlissingen, David Rowlands, Laurent Gobbi, Rene Vader, Adrian Clamp, Jane Lawrie, Jessica Seddon, Ed O’Brien, Kristin Silva, and Richard Boele.
We are grateful for the insightful expert input and feedback provided at various stages of the research by Ali Akbari, Nick Davis, Shazia Sadiq, Ed Santow, Tapani Rinta-Kahila, Alice Rickert, Lucy Kenyon-Jones, Morteza Namvar, Olya Ohrimenko, Saeed Akhlaghpour, Chris Ziguras, Sam Forsyth, Geoff Dober, Giles Hirst, and Madhava Jay.
We appreciate the data analysis support provided by Jake Morrill.
Report production: Kathryn Wright, Melany Eli, Bethany Fracassi, Nancy Stewart, Yong Dithavong, Marty Scerri and Lachlan Hardisty.
Citation
Gillespie, N., Lockey, S., Ward, T., Macdade, A., Hassed, G. (2025). Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025. The University of Melbourne and KPMG.
Funding
This research was supported by the Chair in Trust research partnership between the University of Melbourne and KPMG Australia, and funding from KPMG International, KPMG Australia, and the University of Melbourne.
The research was conducted independently by the university research team.
Lead researcher & key contact
Nicole Gillespie
KPMG Chair in Organisational Trust | Professor of Management, The University of Melbourne
KPMG Australia
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