Web3 experts back blockchain as key to trustworthy AI

OVHcloud has published research suggesting Web3 specialists increasingly view blockchain as a building block for trustworthy artificial intelligence, even as scepticism about blockchain's credibility continues to slow adoption.

The study surveyed 100 blockchain professionals in the UK and found that 70% consider blockchain essential to the future of trustworthy AI. Respondents cited roles such as validating data used in AI processes and providing an independently verifiable record of activity.

Views were similar on transparency. Two thirds of those surveyed (67%) said blockchain is vital for establishing trust in AI and ensuring transparency.

Trust and control

The findings come as organisations debate AI governance and the concentration of control among a small number of large technology firms. Developers and buyers are also grappling with data traceability and the ability to explain how systems produce outputs.

The research suggests blockchain and AI are becoming more interconnected, with blockchain framed as one of several tools for building secure and transparent digital systems.

Omar Abi Issa, Global Lead for Blockchain, Web3 and AI at OVHcloud, said the technologies are increasingly intersecting in practical use cases.

"Blockchain and AI are inextricably intertwined," said Omar Abi Issa, Global Lead for Blockchain, Web3 and AI, OVHcloud.

Abi Issa pointed to applications in areas such as agriculture and logistics, where records of provenance and movement support compliance and commercial assurance. He added that these use cases can reduce reliance on a central intermediary for verification in supply chains and traceability networks.

Barriers persist

Despite the positive sentiment, the research indicates reputational issues and a lack of understanding remain obstacles. A majority (61%) said concerns about blockchain's credibility have prevented deeper integration with AI. The study notes that perceptions are often shaped by blockchain's association with cryptocurrency.

Knowledge gaps were also cited as a barrier in business settings. Just over half of respondents (54%) said there is not enough industry understanding of what blockchain can offer, which has hindered enterprise deployment.

Abi Issa argued that the challenges are often less about technical limits and more about beliefs and familiarity.

"The relationship between blockchain and AI goes both ways," he said. "AI agents can automate many operations in the public blockchain, helping systems to function more independently. Although blockchain has its challenges, these barriers are usually based on belief and lack of knowledge rather than any real limitation or lack of technical potential."

Integration timeline

Respondents also offered a view on how quickly the two technologies could converge in mainstream deployments. The research found that 69% expect blockchain to be integrated into AI within four years. A smaller group (6%) said it would take five to six years. No respondents said it would take longer or that it would never happen.

The timeframe suggests Web3 practitioners expect experimentation to move into production systems, particularly where auditability, data lineage and access control are business requirements. It also points to an expectation that tooling and standards for AI governance will continue to develop alongside blockchain-based approaches.

Company context

OVHcloud describes itself as a global cloud provider and a European cloud leader. It operates more than 450,000 servers across 44 data centres on four continents and serves 1.6 million customers in more than 140 countries.

It has positioned sovereignty and control as differentiators in the cloud market, particularly in Europe, where organisations face tighter expectations around data handling and regulatory compliance. The company also emphasises an integrated approach spanning server design, data centre operations and network orchestration.

Abi Issa said combining blockchain and AI can address concerns about transparency and trust, while enabling independent scrutiny and privacy controls.

"Blockchain is supercharging data access and analytics systems, providing superior transparency, traceability and security," he said.