A recent survey conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a significant increase in public awareness and understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the UK. The survey, which collected data in May 2023, compared results with a similar survey conducted in June to July 2022 by the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation.
According to the survey, 72% of adults in the UK were able to provide at least a partial explanation of AI, compared to 56% in the previous year’s survey. This suggests a growing knowledge of AI among the general population. Furthermore, the survey found that 5% of adults reported using AI a lot in their day-to-day lives, while 45% reported using it to some extent. However, 50% of adults stated that they did not use AI at all.
When asked about their expectations of the impact of AI on the UK, 32% of adults reported a neutral impact, while slightly more people had positive responses than negative ones. This indicates a generally positive sentiment towards AI among the population.
In the business sector, the survey showed that approximately 16% of businesses in the UK are currently implementing AI applications. The most common applications mentioned were spam filters (11%), chatbots (4%), facial recognition (3%), voice assistants (1%), and personalized shopping (1%). The survey also revealed that businesses are adopting AI to improve cybersecurity (35%) and create efficiencies (35%).
The survey highlights the increasing integration of AI in various aspects of society and business in the UK. The findings indicate a growing awareness and understanding of AI among the public, as well as a positive sentiment towards its impact. With more businesses implementing AI applications, the technology is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the UK’s economy and society.
The UK government has also been proactive in addressing AI’s impact through the publication of the first white paper on AI regulation in March 2023. The Office for Artificial Intelligence and the Central Digital and Data Office have been established to oversee AI policy and its use within government departments.
As AI continues to evolve and its applications expand, it is essential to monitor its impact on society, address ethical considerations, and ensure its responsible and inclusive use for the benefit of all.