Press release
22 Jun 2025 

Leadership will be key to unlocking human potential and accelerating AI, EY AI Sentiment Index Study reveals

Building trust and transparency within the workplace, whilst integrating AI into operations and showcasing its transformative value, will be key to instilling confidence and bridging the AI adoption gap for business growth, EY’s recent AI Sentiment Index Study suggests.

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The Index surveyed more than 15,000 people from 15 countries worldwide to discover how people are using AI and what they see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for the future of AI. The Index reveals that, whilst 70% of the UK population engages with AI in their daily lives, workplace adoption is behind at just 44%, well below the global average of 67%. This imbalance highlights a significant opportunity for UK businesses to harness AI's potential.

However, it’s clear that public sentiment towards AI remains cautious, with the UK scoring only 54 out of 100 in the Index. Hesitations remain around privacy, security and misinformation, with 71% of respondents feeling anxious about security breaches and fearing false information generated by AI. However, while there are concerns around data privacy, 76% agree AI makes it easier to complete technical or academic tasks.

Ove Svejstrup, an Assurance Partner at EY, recently hosted a lunch and learn session on the future of AI within the financial services industry and explored the findings from the AI Sentiment Index Study with delegates, many of whom mirrored these views:

“While it’s clear from the survey that there is some hesitation with adopting AI and the governance around data and privacy, it is also clear from the findings that discomfort with AI does not mean disengagement. People are still finding ways to use it, even as they question its broader implications. It’s evident that people are more comfortable with the use of AI in monitoring and preventative applications and become wary when AI handles personal data or makes decisions on their behalf.

“Bridging the adoption gap is about more than just embracing the technology and AI; it’s about creating an environment where people feel confident and empowered in doing so. Businesses that are able to use AI to enhance their processes, while using it intuitively to support their teams and clients, will lead the way.”

You can read the full EY AI Sentiment Index Study here (pdf).

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EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

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