People are increasingly choosing to limit or reject the use of AI tools, according to a new report published today by the Digital Futures Institute at King’s College London and Responsible AI UK.
The AI: the growing UK pushback report reveals 42% of individuals deliberately limit the amount of AI they use, largely due by privacy and security concerns, including some of those who are positive about AI.
The report, which surveyed 2055 adults living in the UK by Deltapoll in June 2026, also shows that 70% think it would be difficult or impossible for them to avoid being exposed to AI even if they wanted to, raising questions about how people can meaningfully consent to the use of AI.
Other key findings from the report:
Professor Kate Devlin, Chair-Director of the Digital Futures Institute at King’s College London, co-investigator on the RAi UK programme and co-author said: “Anti-AI sentiment seems to be on the rise, and we have been exploring people’s attitudes towards the technology. People need meaningful ways to consent to the use of AI, namely the ability to choose when it is applied, how it interacts with them, and how they can opt out where it matters.
“ Employers and tech companies should be mindful that people are anxious about using AI tools, because they are worried it may compromise security and privacy. Our findings also show public attitudes are not split between a clear ‘pro’ and ‘anti’ AI. Many individuals hold both opinions at once. People acknowledge potential uses and benefits while simultaneously worrying about possible downsides.”
Professor Jack Stilgoe, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at UCL, Deputy Chair for Ecosystem Co-ordination Pillar at RAi UK and co-author stated: “The companies selling us new technology often assume that people most familiar with it will like it most.
“Our findings show that this isn’t true. People are becoming more concerned about AI over time, and even the people who use it most are ambivalent.”