Most New Zealanders worry about AI’s risks, even as many expect to use it – new survey
As experts propose a new public institute to guide AI policy, national survey findings show high concern among Māori and Asian people about how their data is used.
A recent survey conducted in New Zealand reveals that much of the population is divided on the potential benefits of artificial intelligence despite a shared concern over its risks. The findings, based on a nationwide poll of 972 New Zealanders, indicate that roughly a third of respondents have a positive view of AI, another third are neutral, and the remaining third are negative.
Despite these differing perspectives, a majority of 57% expect to use AI in the future. Men tend to be more positive about AI, while women and Māori respondents are generally more concerned about its risks. Notably, Māori respondents expressed greater concern about how their data might be used, a sentiment rooted in historical experiences of data misuse and lack of consent during colonization.
The most significant worry among respondents was the potential for AI-generated images, videos, or audio to be used to deceive or harm individuals, with 74% expressing extreme or very high concern. Environmental impacts, while ranked as the least concerning, still garnered a significant 51% of respondents as very or extremely worried.
Concerns regarding data privacy were also diverse, with Māori and Asian respondents being more likely than Pākehā to be highly concerned about their data being used without permission. This historical context of colonization and ongoing surveillance plays a role in shaping these attitudes. The survey also highlights the uneven access to technology and digital skills among different communities, which can further exacerbate concerns about protecting personal information.
Some political parties in New Zealand have proposed various solutions to address these concerns. Labour and the Opportunity Party advocate for active government oversight, while the Greens have called for a moratorium on new data centres. Meanwhile, the centre-right party favours rapid adoption of AI without heavy regulation. Experts suggest creating a dedicated institute to guide policy and oversight, with a focus on involving researchers, policymakers, and community groups to ensure that indigenous rights and Te Tiriti partnerships are respected.
Ultimately, New Zealand must recognize that existing international policies on AI may not adequately address the unique challenges and considerations faced by Māori and other vulnerable communities.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
