Global public trust in artificial intelligence continues to trail behind virtually all other major consumer technologies, despite widespread adoption across major economies, according to a report by strategic advisory firm FGS Global. The report, titled The FGS AI Radar Pulse, surveyed 7,052 adults across seven countries (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US) alongside 39 in-depth interviews with senior political, business, and regulatory leaders. The study reveals a stark disconnect between daily AI usage and long-term public trust, while highlighting a growing rift between policymaker caution and tech industry optimism. Key Survey Findings: Adoption, Trust, and Regulation• High Adoption, Daily Gap: 71% of respondents have used an AI tool in the past six months. Common uses include search/information retrieval (90%), health/wellness (70%), creative work (65%), education (62%), travel (62%), and work (61% total, though only 18% use it daily at work). • The Trust Deficit: AI received a net positive trust score of just +18%, ranking behind social media (+35%), streaming services (+65%), online banking (+69%), smartphones (+74%), and search engines (+78%). • Safety First: 63% of the public believe AI safety should take priority over the global AI race. Furthermore, only 7% believe AI companies should self-regulate on cybersecurity. • Geographic Variations:o United Kingdom: Exhibited measurably more negative attitudes toward AI compared to other markets. o United States: Showed a significant deterioration in public/stakeholder attitudes. o Japan: Stakeholders remained notably more optimistic and pragmatic, leaning into a principles-based regulatory framework. Evolving Leader Sentiment & Communications FramingThe report highlights that expert opinion—particularly among policymakers and regulators—has cooled significantly due to rising cybersecurity incidents and geopolitical concerns, catching up to broader public skepticism. In contrast, industry leaders remain primarily focused on productivity gains and market expansion. However, the findings offer a clear strategic path forward for corporate communicators: 37% of respondents shifted toward a more positive view of AI when presented with concrete, practical benefits.