UK businesses seek more data control as AI security concerns grow

UK businesses are seeking greater control over sensitive data as concerns about artificial intelligence security and privacy grow, according to findings from IDC commissioned by Expereo and reported by TechRadar.

Some 50% of UK enterprises want more control over their most sensitive data. Digital sovereignty is a top or high priority for 29% of UK businesses, while 27% rank it among the leading drivers of future technology investment.

AI adoption remains a challenge: 58% of surveyed organizations said security and privacy are among the biggest barriers, and 56% of technology leaders worry that AI could create new security risks. A further 26% said customers and partners are pressuring their organizations to localize data.

Expereo says digital sovereignty covers more than where data is stored. It also includes how data moves between networks, clouds and AI environments. Expereo CEO Ben Elms wrote that the push is increasingly driven by the desire for greater control over these movements.

Globally, 33% of organizations consider digital sovereignty a high or top priority. IDC found that regulations such as GDPR are major drivers in Europe, while national security is a stronger focus in the US. Elms said greater visibility will become more important as AI adoption accelerates.