The Register: IBM: Insurance industry bosses keen on AI. Customers, not so much

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/16/ibm_insurance_industry_bosses_keen/
Source: The Register
Title: IBM: Insurance industry bosses keen on AI. Customers, not so much

Feedly Summary: Fewer than 30% of clients happy dealing with a generative AI virtual agent
An IBM study has found most insurance industry leaders believe generative AI is essential to keep pace with competitors. However, only a quarter of customers want anything to do with the technology.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The IBM study highlights a disconnect between insurance industry leaders and customers regarding the adoption of generative AI. While executives view the technology as essential for competitiveness, a significant majority of customers express distrust. This tension underscores the need for ethically governed AI solutions and careful implementation concerning data security and user privacy.

Detailed Description:

– An IBM study reveals that a majority of insurance industry leaders consider generative AI crucial for staying competitive; however, only 26% of customers are interested in engaging with this technology.
– The study surveyed 1,000 insurance C-suite executives and 4,700 customers, indicating a stark contrast in perspectives:
– 77% of CEOs see generative AI as necessary, with opinions split on whether it poses a risk or an opportunity.
– Trust issues dominate customer sentiments, as only 26% feel confident that AI can provide accurate advice.
– IBM suggests that introducing strongly governed ethical AI could resolve trust issues and reduce technological debt within the financial services sector.
– Customer comfort levels are low; only 29% of surveyed customers are okay with generative AI handling services.
– Investment in generative AI is projected to surge by over 300% from 2023 to 2025, indicating a shift from pilot projects to full-scale implementations, following the trend set by competitors like Microsoft.
– Despite enthusiasm, security concerns hinder full adoption; just 11% of CIOs reported complete technology implementation.
– Business use cases like Microsoft Copilot highlight the importance of configuring access and permissions appropriately to protect enterprise data.
– The findings indicate a potential disconnect between industry executives and actual user comfort levels with generative AI, suggesting that the industry must evaluate when to utilize AI rather than forcing it into scenarios where customers may not be ready.

Key Implications for Security and Compliance Professionals:
– There is an urgent need to address customer concerns around trust and data security before implementing generative AI technologies.
– Professionals must focus on ethical AI governance and compliance to build credibility and reassure customers regarding the safety and reliability of AI solutions.
– The projected increase in AI investment signifies an immediate opportunity for security frameworks that can integrate with new technologies while ensuring data protection and privacy comply with existing regulations.