Only 27% of Americans trust businesses to use AI responsibly, according to new Bentley-Gallup research. Microsoft and OpenAI executives recently gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss how to bridge this trust gap.
TL;DR
- Bentley-Gallup research reveals low public trust in AI, with only 27% of Americans trusting businesses to use it responsibly.
- Microsoft and OpenAI executives discussed strategies to build trust, emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and practical AI use.
- Experts agreed that addressing skepticism and demonstrating AI's benefits are crucial for fostering public trust.
What happened
On October 8, 2026, Bentley University and Gallup hosted an event in Washington, D.C. to discuss the latest findings from their Business in Society research on Americans' views and mistrust of AI.
The event, titled 'The Tech Trust Gap: As Skepticism Rises, How Should Business Embrace AI?', featured Ginny Badanes, general manager of Tech for Society at Microsoft, and Felipe Millon, head of Government Go to Market at OpenAI.
Rumman Chowdhury, founder of Humane Intelligence Public Benefit Corporation, also participated in a fireside chat, sharing her insights on building public trust in AI.
Why it matters
Public trust is a significant competitive advantage for companies adopting AI. Building this trust can lead to wider acceptance and adoption of AI technologies.
For developers and startups, transparency in AI model behavior and aligning models with intended use cases are crucial for gaining public trust.
Investors should consider the long-term benefits of companies that prioritize building public trust in AI, as this can lead to sustainable growth and success.
Key facts
- Only 27% of Americans trust businesses to use AI responsibly, according to Bentley-Gallup research.
- The event featured Microsoft's Ginny Badanes and OpenAI's Felipe Millon, along with a fireside chat with Rumman Chowdhury.
- Millon emphasized the importance of experimentation and practical AI use to build trust.
- Badanes called for industry collaboration on initiatives like labeling and consumer information to shift the burden of trust from consumers to businesses.
- Chowdhury highlighted the need for clear guidance, regulations, and hiring employees who understand the interaction between people, society, and technology.
Context
The discussion comes at a time when AI adoption is accelerating, and public trust is becoming a critical factor for success.
Companies that prioritize building public trust in AI are likely to see long-term benefits, including wider acceptance and adoption of their technologies.
As AI continues to evolve, the role of transparency, collaboration, and practical use in building public trust will become increasingly important.
