HumanX’s Grand Opening: Trust, Empathy, and Transparency in AI

Last night, HumanX 2025 kicked off with an unforgettable panel led by former Vice President Kamala Harris, Representative Jay Obernolte (US House of Representatives), Professor of Machine Learning and Public Policy Rayid Ghani (Carnegie Mellon), and Nuno Sebastião, CEO of Feedzai. This informative session not only highlighted the immense potential of AI, but also acknowledged the responsibility and transparency that must accompany it.  

At the time of this blog, a majority of Americans do not trust AI–an issue that is in direct opposition to the near-daily advancements and ever-increasing use cases. Is there a solution to relieving this tension and improving public perceptions of AI? Or are AI and the public destined to remain in contention? 

The answer lies in yesterday’s key takeaways: 

AI Can Be a Force For Good–But Only If We Craft It That Way

AI has the ability to increase productivity, lower barriers to data access and education, solve humanitarian crises and more–but this requires intention, planning, and oversight that is ethical and responsible. These idealisms must come from the developers and engineers themselves; AI is only as responsible as those who create it. 

Trust is the Ultimate Foundation

America has the opportunity to position itself as the leading global force in AI–but the lack of public understanding has fostered a severe sense of distrust. If we are to move forward as an AI superpower, we have to get more of the public onboard; to get the public onboard, we have to establish better trust. 

How can we build such trust? Through comprehension and well-rounded knowledge of how AI works. 

Transparency Will Bridge the Gap

Building trust requires a thorough understanding of how AI works–something that the public is sorely lacking. Therefore, it is up to the AI leaders, developers, and governors to thoroughly explain what AI applications are and how they are meant to be utilized. This includes complete transparency through all stages of development, from conceptualization to circulation. 

The better one can comprehend something from front to end, the more comfortable they become with it. Rep Obernolte cited the origins of the internet and VP Harris cited the electrification of America as concrete examples of this principle at work; two major technological developments that once incited fear and confusion among the general public have now become an integral part of our daily lives. So too can this be true for AI. 

Inclusion and Empathy Must Be Prioritized 

It is essential to make sure that individuals from ALL social and economic backgrounds are included in the AI revolution–otherwise it won’t work. As previously mentioned, widespread accessibility of emerging technologies is what will help lead to understanding and, in turn, acceptance. In order to gain approval from everyone, AI must be available to everyone; not just the privileged few. This empathetic and humanistic approach is what will propel the AI revolution forward. 

Innovation Requires Governance

AI and innovation go hand-in-hand, but innovation must never come at the expense of safety, equity, and responsibility. Another major aspect of trust is ensuring proper guardrails are in place, thereby limiting risk and suspicion. Proper governance and dissemination of AI shouldn’t be seen as roadblocks but rather a means of facilitating sustainability and longevity. 

As the most important AI event of the year, HumanX is proud to host conversations in the AI space that are truly impactful–and last night’s panel was certainly no exception. We believe in the ability for AI to lead us into the future with purpose, care, and inspiration, but only if the humans behind it embrace the necessary values. 

Thank you to Feedzai for sponsoring HumanX 2025’s Grand Opening!