Enterprise technology leaders betting on generative AI face a trust gap: nearly half of British adults would eliminate the technology if they could, according to new YouGov data reported by TechRadar. The finding signals that despite billions in investment from major tech firms, public sentiment remains deeply sceptical — a factor that CTOs and digital transformation leaders must weigh as they deploy AI in customer-facing and internal systems.
Public Sentiment in the UK: A Stark Divide
TechRadar reported that 42% of British adults would get rid of generative AI entirely if they had the choice, while a further 22% are undecided. Only 36% said they would not eliminate it. The data comes from YouGov, a market research firm. The survey challenges the assumption that the public is embracing AI.
Younger Generation Leads Anti-AI Sentiment
Perhaps the most surprising finding, according to TechRadar, is that 55% of 18-24 year olds would make generative AI disappear if they could. Only 27% of this age group would not eliminate it — meaning they are twice as likely to want it gone. This contradicts other studies that suggest younger users are among the most active consumers of generative AI tools. TechRadar speculated that greater exposure to AI-generated misinformation on social media and the loss of entry-level job roles may fuel this scepticism.
Declining Trust Since ChatGPT's Launch
Public trust in AI has eroded since ChatGPT reached mass popularity in late 2022, TechRadar noted, citing a separate 2025 study on perception before and after ChatGPT. The study found a drop in satisfaction, with higher support for human-only decision-making and lower support for AI-only decision-making. The proportion of respondents finding AI "not acceptable at all" increased from 23% to 30%, as summarized by the authors.
TechRadar also referenced a US-biased study revealing that 50% of Americans feel more concerned than excited about AI, citing effects on creative thinking and relationship forming, though Americans are slightly more optimistic about AI's problem-solving impacts.
Environmental and Infrastructure Opposition
Environmental concerns are a significant driver of anti-AI sentiment. TechRadar reported that several US states, cities, and regions have imposed moratoriums on new data center projects, citing energy, water, and land constraints. In the UK, 48% of adults said they would oppose a new AI data center in their local area, with only 20% in support. Younger citizens were most likely to oppose such projects, challenging the notion that 18-24 year olds are pro-AI.
Enterprise Implications: Navigating Public Mistrust
For enterprise technology leaders, these findings underscore the importance of transparent AI governance and clear communication of benefits. The YouGov data indicates that even as companies like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Meta invest heavily in embedding AI into everyday tools, the British public remains wary. CIOs and CTOs should anticipate resistance to AI deployments, especially those involving automation of customer service or content generation. The fact that 50% of Americans are more concerned than excited (per the US study) suggests this is a global challenge.
| Demographic Group | Would Eliminate GenAI | Would Not Eliminate | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|
| All UK adults | 42% | 36% (implied) | 22% |
| 18-24 year olds | 55% | 27% | 18% (implied) |
TechRadar noted that YouGov also asked about ChatGPT specifically ahead of its IPO, finding consumer trust in OpenAI's offering generally higher than average. This nuance suggests that while the technology category faces headwinds, specific products can still earn user confidence if they demonstrate clear value and address concerns about job displacement and misinformation.
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