A new study conducted by IE University in Spain has explored the attitudes of over 3,000 people across 10 European countries concerning how technology is transforming our lives and how it should be governed. The 2024 edition of the European Tech Insights report focuses on perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of an upcoming super-electoral year, including the role of AI in public services and daily.
Key findings reveal that 40% of Europeans and 74% of public servants harbour concerns about the potential misuse of AI during elections; however, 34% of young Europeans would trust an AI app to vote for them.
The report also highlights that while Europeans largely support using AI to improve public service efficiency, 86% want authorities to obtain prior approval for such technologies. Specifically, 79% expressed support for AI in job matching for the unemployed and 65% for processing tax returns. For more sensitive applications like parole, 64% oppose the use of AI technologies.
Generally, Europeans view government technological efforts positively, with a score of 3.23 out of 5, but two-thirds still believe Europe is lagging in digitalisation compared to China and the United States. Scepticism also exists over government cybersecurity capabilities, with 60% believing private companies are better prepared to protect against cyberattacks.
Elsewhere, the survey reveals that Europeans are enthusiastic about health innovations and technologies that deliver daily conveniences. Around 75% support medical devices for remote patient monitoring, while 57% are open to humanoid robots assisting with household chores. Interestingly, 36% would consider neurostimulation devices, and nearly half of younger respondents are willing to use ocular devices for memory recording. However, interest declines with technologies that involve personal interactions, such as AI companions for romantic relationships.
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