European Consumers Push for AI Transparency, Schools Oppose AI Ban

A global study by Smart Communications found consumer trust in AI‑driven customer service fell to 56%, a five‑point drop from the previous year, while confidence in the security of personal data processed by AI declined by six points. Concern over insufficient human oversight rose by four points, especially among baby‑boomers (10 points). Only 44% still view AI‑based financial advice as valuable, with similar modest ratings for insurance (45%) and health recommendations (46%). Across generations, younger respondents are more willing to trust AI, and 82% of all participants demand explicit disclosure when companies use AI in customer interactions; the figure reaches 88% among baby‑boomers.

In Austria, an Ipsos online poll of 1,000 adults showed 62% support a ban on personal mobile‑phone use in schools and 72% favor a social‑media ban for children under 14. By contrast, only one‑third back a blanket ban on AI tools such as ChatGPT. Just 21% expect AI to have a predominantly positive impact on education, while 39% anticipate mixed effects and 30% foresee mainly negative outcomes. About 20% consider managing AI in classrooms one of the biggest challenges for the education system, alongside integration of non‑German‑speaking students, outdated curricula, and teacher shortages.