Global Scans · Trust · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Trust in politicians and experts is falling fast. Privacy is under threat and may lead to a collapse of confidence in technology as the world is increasingly networked. Unless reliability, integrity, and surety can keep pace with accelerating change trust in anything but oneself may disappear.

• [New] Global challenges such as climate change, technological disruption, and demographic transition, which carry long-term impacts, will require trust, coordination, and consensus - none of which any can deliver alone. OBSERVER RESEARCH FOUNDATION ( ORF )
• [New] 2026 will see increased pressure on companies to ensure that climate and ESG data are consistent, traceable, and subject to internal or external assurance. Net Zero Compare
• [New] Over the next decade, trust in degrees will be shaped by how rigorously learning outcomes are validated rather than by institutional reputation alone. CXOToday.com
• [New] If OpenAI demonstrates meaningful monetization without losing retention and trust, Google will undoubtedly reconsider. Strategy in Praxis
• [New] In 2026, agentic systems will run ahead of governance, making impersonation easier and trust harder to establish. SC Media
• [New] Dedicated budgetary support for clinical research and evidence-based nutrition will be crucial to strengthening consumer trust and enhancing the global credibility of Indian-made supplements, firmly positioning India as a trusted, science-led hub for preventive health and long-term well-being. The Indian Express
• [New] New 2026 laws in states like New York and California, which require explicit disclosure of AI-driven pricing, will create a friction point between tech-driven profitability and consumer trust. FinancialContent
• [New] A key factor in driving adoption and public confidence will be the role of certified Digital Verification Services, a role played by more than 40 organizations in the UK already. FinExtra
• [New] The greatest risk to the current U.S. expansion may not be inflation, debt, or even trade policy, but the accumulation of strategic missteps and escalating tensions that undermine trust - between nations, between institutions, and within the domestic political system. Prudent Investors
• [New] The companies that can balance scale, trust, and resilience will define the next chapter of global technology. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] Still the fear and lack of trust fuelled public opposition to nuclear power and Japan suspended all of its reactors. BBC News
• [New] The FCA and the Bank of England rely on existing regulatory frameworks to supervise firms' use of AI, an approach MPs said creates uncertainty for businesses and increases risks to consumers and to the integrity of the financial system. / UK Insurance Business
• [New] Evidence highlighted UK firms' reliance on a small number of US technology companies for AI and cloud services, alongside increased cyber security risks. Insurance Business
• [New] A trust and safety operations role tied specifically to monetization signals that OpenAI expects advertising in an AI assistant to be uniquely delicate. Digiday
• [New] CEO confidence in global revenue growth has dropped to its lowest level in five years, with artificial intelligence, cyber risk and geopolitical pressures forcing employers to rethink workforce and capability strategies. Insurance Business
• [New] In 2026, organizations with mature identity and Zero Trust programs are better positioned to support digital transformation initiatives without increasing risk. BitLyft Cybersecurity
• [New] Financial Crisis: Reduced confidence in U.S. Treasury markets could lead to a spike in interest rates, panic among traders, devaluation of assets, freezing or slowing of credit, and failure of key financial institutions. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
• [New] When AI use is systematically undisclosed, we risk creating a world where people can not distinguish human from machine output, where trust becomes impossible, and where the value of human contribution is fundamentally questioned. Knowledge at Wharton
• [New] In 2026, trust is not marketing; it is a procurement requirement, and ransomware remains one of the fastest ways to turn vendor trust into customer churn and litigation risk. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] In 2026, trust, fairness, and belonging will be non-negotiable elements of the employee experience. Groom & Associates
• [New] In 2026, trust will be a major design problem for AI experiences. Nielsen Norman Group
• [New] In 2026, success will depend on pairing generative AI with evidence-based systems that deliver clean, computable, and interoperable data clinicians can trust. Healthcare IT Today | Fresh, Daily, Practical Healthcar
• [New] For U.S. corporations, assurance supports data accuracy, reduces greenwashing risk, and enhances confidence among investors, regulators, and other stakeholders. Center for Sustainbability & Excellence

Last updated: 26 January 2026