Despite low awareness, India shows highest trust in government regulation of AI
According to a new global survey by the Pew Research Center covering 25 countries, Indians are among the least aware of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Only 46% of respondents in India said they have either heard or read a lot or a little about AI — the lowest percentage among all the countries surveyed.
Low Awareness Despite Growing Global Conversations
The report highlights a striking contrast between India’s booming tech sector and the general public’s limited familiarity with AI concepts. Merely 14% of Indians said they have heard or read a lot about AI, while *32% reported having read a little. This combined 46% figure falls far below the 25-country median of 66%.
In comparison, countries such as Germany, the U.S., and the U.K. reported awareness levels above 80%, reflecting deeper public engagement with AI-driven changes in work, media, and daily life.
Youth Awareness Still Lagging
Even among the younger generation (ages 18–34)—who are generally more exposed to digital technologies—AI awareness remains low. Only 19% of young Indians said they have heard or read a lot about AI, placing India near the bottom among surveyed nations. Countries such as Japan and Germany recorded much higher youth awareness levels, indicating more consistent AI exposure through education and media.
Mixed Feelings Toward AI in Daily Life
The study also explored how people feel about the growing use of AI in everyday settings. In India, only 19% of respondents said that the increasing presence of AI makes them more excited than concerned—again one of the lowest shares among all nations. This suggests a blend of curiosity and caution, possibly reflecting limited public understanding of AI’s real-world applications.
High Confidence in Government Oversight
Interestingly, while awareness is low, Indians expressed the highest confidence in their government’s ability to regulate AI effectively. Nearly 90% of respondents said they trust the government to handle AI responsibly—well above the global median. This faith in regulation contrasts sharply with the skepticism seen in Western countries such as Germany and the U.K., where confidence levels were much lower.
Global Trends and Economic Links
The Pew analysis further revealed a positive correlation between a country’s GDP per capita and AI awareness. Wealthier nations with stronger digital ecosystems—like Japan, Germany, and the U.S.—showed greater public familiarity with AI. In contrast, countries with lower GDP per capita, such as India, Kenya, and Turkey, reported reduced awareness levels.
A Call for AI Literacy
Experts note that as India continues to position itself as a global technology hub, there is an urgent need to promote AI literacy among its citizens. Enhancing understanding of how AI impacts jobs, education, and governance will be key to ensuring that technological progress benefits society as a whole.