AI's trust problem: Richard Edelman on the risk to the tech industry

A new report points to a crisis of trust in innovation, and the risk that rapid technological change — especially in the field of artificial intelligence — will fuel increased populism and polarization across societies.

Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, discussed these and other findings from the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer during visits last week with the global communications firm's clients in tech-heavy Seattle and San Francisco. GeekWire sat down with Edelman during his visit to the firm's downtown Seattle office for this episode of the GeekWire Podcast.

• He discusses the shift in trust from top-down authority figures to local relationships, with employees and consumers expecting companies to take a stand on important issues. 
• Edelman suggests that businesses and technology leaders need to focus on implementation, adaptation, and acceptance of innovation, and to be transparent and clear in their communication with the public.
• He calls for collaboration between businesses, government, NGOs, and media to ensure that innovation is well-managed and benefits society as a whole.

Related links

• Access the full 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer report.
• Edelman: 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Reveals Innovation has Become a New Risk Factor for Trust
• Richard Edelman: Technology Industry Watch Out, Innovation at Risk
• Axios: Public trust in AI is sinking across the board

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