Avast Report Warns of AI Confidence Trap in New Zealand

The digital security company Avast released its 2026 Safe Tech Report, revealing an AI confidence trap among adults in New Zealand. While 66% of respondents believe they can identify AI-generated fakes, a significant portion of the population exhibits risky data habits. Approximately 40% of adults have shared or considered sharing sensitive information with AI tools, including CVs (21%) and work documents (17%).

Data from Gen Threat Labs indicates that AI was involved in tens of millions of video encounters in early 2026, with one in 30 flagged as scams. Despite recognizing red flags such as high-pressure tactics or unrealistic offers, many users continue to ignore these warnings. The report warns that AI tools may retain shared data in memory, which increases the risk of unauthorized training use or future data breaches.

Richard Watts, head of Avast, cautioned that confidence in spotting fakes does not equate to knowing how to protect personal data. Michal Salat of Gen Threat Labs noted that AI enhances the convincing nature of first impressions while continuing to employ consistent psychological levers to deceive users.