A new survey by Kaspersky reveals that 75% of Saudi Arabian travelers utilizing AI travel planning tools express significant concerns regarding data security.
While artificial intelligence is highly appreciated for saving time and providing personalized recommendations, awareness of digital risks remains high among users in the Kingdom.
Benefits of AI Travel Planning
According to the research conducted by the cybersecurity firm, the primary motivation for turning to digital assistants is to save time and simplify preparation, with 76% of users pointing out these benefits.
Additionally, 74% of respondents use these tools to search for personalized recommendations tailored to their individual preferences. The study also highlights that 73% of travelers use artificial intelligence to find favorable offers, while 72% search for information about main attractions.
Meanwhile, 67% of active users trust these systems to uncover information that would otherwise be difficult to find.
Security Concerns and Data Sharing
Despite the convenience, many travelers remain cautious about sharing personal information. The survey revealed that 40% of respondents see security risks in using artificial intelligence and actively avoid sharing sensitive data, while 35% do not have major concerns but still exercise caution.
Consequently, almost 75% of those who use digital assistants think about data security while working with these tools. Only 26% of travelers surveyed feel completely confident that sharing their personal data with these systems is secure.
Global and Regional Variations
The level of concern among travelers in the tourism sector varies significantly by region. Travelers in Spain, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa expressed the greatest concerns about risks.
In contrast, respondents in China, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia displayed higher confidence in the security of these systems.
Expert Recommendations for Safe Usage
“A rational attitude is crucial for any type of online interactions, especially when we talk about personal data sharing. After all, your private conversations with AI can still be exposed to cyber threats, or a favorable offer discovered by a chatbot may turn out to be nothing more than a scam.”
Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center
To maintain safety, the company recommends avoiding sharing personal data such as IDs, addresses, or passwords with digital assistants. Furthermore, users should perform important actions like bookings and purchases themselves, verify all links provided by chatbots, and avoid linking main accounts to these services.
