A recent report has shown that avoiding the use of artificial intelligence is no longer as easy a decision as it once was. As AI technologies are increasingly integrated into digital applications and services that users rely on daily, the report suggests that even those who try to minimize their use may find themselves indirectly dealing with them.

Declining trust and privacy concerns

The report was based on a survey of 2,055 adults in the United Kingdom. It revealed that 42% of participants intentionally limit their use of AI tools, while 70% believe it is becoming difficult or nearly impossible to avoid exposure to these technologies.

Privacy and data protection concerns were at the top of the reasons for reducing AI usage. Twenty-nine percent of respondents expressed concern about how their data is collected and used, while 22% explained that they prefer to continue with traditional methods of work despite knowing the potential of artificial intelligence.

AI working in the background

The report argues that deleting applications like ChatGPT or Gemini does not mean avoiding AI. Many digital services and work systems rely on AI algorithms in the background without users noticing it.

This reality raises questions about the concept of "consent," as users may not be aware of where AI is being used or what type of data is being processed, making it extremely difficult to completely withdraw from these technologies.

Calls for Increased Transparency

The report emphasizes the need for greater transparency on the part of technology companies, by clarifying where AI is used within different services and providing clear and easy options for users who want to disable these features without affecting their core experience.

It also noted that the absence of such options could make AI usage the default setting, which may increase user concerns about privacy and freedom of choice.

Growing Negative View

The report also revealed a shift in public perception of AI. The percentage of Britons who believe its risks outweigh its benefits rose from 48% in 2023 to 52% in 2026, while the proportion who see its benefits as greater than its risks fell from 38% to 34%.

Although young people, particularly members of Generation Z, are the most frequent users of AI, they are also among the groups expressing the greatest concerns about its risks and seeking to reduce reliance on it. This sends a clear message to technology companies that building trust and transparency will become a key factor in the future spread of AI technologies.