On-Device AI Training: Consumer Trust & Privacy Perceptions

Welcome! This survey explores your views and preferences related to on-device AI training—where AI learns directly on your device rather than in the cloud. It should take about 12 minutes to complete. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may stop at any time. There are no right or wrong answers—we are interested in your honest opinions. All responses are confidential, will be anonymized, and reported only in aggregate. Your feedback will be used for internal research to improve product experiences. By continuing, you indicate your consent to participate.

Which of the following devices do you use at least once a week? Select all that apply.

• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Laptop or desktop computer
• Smartwatch or fitness tracker
• Smart TV or streaming device
• Smart speaker (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant)
• None of the above

Before we explain, how familiar are you with the idea of on-device AI training (where AI learns directly on your device rather than in the cloud)?

• I've never heard of it
• I've heard the term but I'm not sure what it means
• I have a basic understanding
• I understand it well and could explain it to someone else

What we mean by on-device AI training: Some apps and features improve by learning from data stored on your device—such as photos, messages, or usage patterns. This training happens locally on your device, rather than sending your raw data to the cloud. Your device may share model updates (not your personal data) to help improve AI features for everyone.

After reading the explanation above, how well do you feel you understand what on-device AI training means?

Overall, how much do you trust on-device AI training as described above?

How comfortable would you be allowing on-device AI training on your personal devices?

How likely are you to enable on-device AI training features on your devices if given the option?

Which of the following do you see as potential benefits of on-device AI training? Select all that apply.

• Better privacy protection
• Faster responses and performance
• Works without an internet connection
• More personalized results
• Less personal data sent to companies
• Lower data usage costs
• Greater reliability
• Other (please specify)
• None of these

Which of the following do you see as potential risks or downsides of on-device AI training? Select all that apply.

• Battery drain
• Slower device performance
• Uses too much storage space
• Security vulnerabilities on the device
• Data could still be misused
• Unexpected app behavior or errors
• Other (please specify)
• None of these

To what extent do you agree or disagree: On-device AI training adequately protects my personal data.

To what extent do you agree or disagree: I believe companies are transparent about how on-device AI training works.

To what extent do you agree or disagree: The benefits of on-device AI training outweigh the risks.

To what extent do you agree or disagree: I feel I have enough control over how on-device AI training uses my data.

If your phone asked permission to train AI on-device using your recent photos and messages, what would you most likely do?

• Allow always
• Allow only when charging and on Wi-Fi
• Decide case by case
• Deny permission
• Not sure

How important is it to you that on-device AI training settings are clear and easy to understand?

Please rank the following aspects of on-device AI training from most important to least important to you.

1. Privacy protection
2. Speed and responsiveness
3. Works offline
4. Personalization quality
5. Battery and performance impact
6. Storage use
7. Transparency and user controls

Have you ever enabled a feature on any device that said it would improve through on-device learning?

• Yes
• No
• Not sure

You mentioned enabling an on-device learning feature. Which feature was it, and how did it affect your experience?

In your own words, what would make on-device AI training more trustworthy to you?

Based on your responses throughout this survey, please share any additional thoughts or feelings about on-device AI training—including anything about trust, privacy, or controls that we haven't covered.

What is your age?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65+
• Prefer not to say

What is your gender identity?

• Woman
• Man
• Non-binary
• Prefer to self-describe
• Prefer not to say

In which region do you currently live?

• North America
• Latin America & Caribbean
• Europe
• Middle East & North Africa
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Oceania
• Prefer not to say

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or equivalent
• Some college, no degree
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate or professional degree
• Other
• Prefer not to say

Which of the following best describes your current employment status?

• Employed full-time
• Employed part-time
• Self-employed
• Unemployed and looking for work
• Not working by choice
• Student
• Retired
• Prefer not to say

What is the primary operating system on your smartphone?

• Android
• iOS
• Other
• Not sure
• I don't use a smartphone

Thank you for completing this survey! Your feedback is valuable and will help inform how on-device AI training is designed to respect user preferences and privacy. All responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate.