In 2026, more than 28% of hospitality operators in the UK and Ireland are already rolling out AI across multiple departments, while a further 20% are exploring what AI could do for them.

However, with this adoption, there are growing concerns about how this data is processed, monitored and secured, with 51% of businesses in the UK and Ireland concerned for their data privacy.

AI-powered hospitality software platform Access Hospitality conducted a new study on AI and security, surveying 1,000 businesses and 8,000 consumers across six international markets to understand operators' and consumers' attitudes towards data privacy and secure AI adoption.

In response to the findings, The Access Group’s CIO, Connor Whelan, and CISO, Diego Baldini, advise businesses on how to keep their data safe when using AI tools.

51% of operators in the UK and Ireland are concerned about data security when using AI tools

45% of operators in the UK and Ireland are concerned about sharing important company data with AI tools, highlighting a trust gap as adoption increases.

The biggest concerns for operators are data security and privacy (51%) and data protection regulations (38%). This is followed by nearly one-third (31%) of operators who are concerned about their limited understanding of AI tools.

Concerns from F&B businesses and hotels about sharing company data with AI tools remain consistent: 45% and 46%.

Businesses with fewer than 25 venues are the most hesitant, with over half worried about sharing data, compared to just 33% of larger venues. This could suggest that access to internal expertise and frameworks plays a role in AI confidence.

Data privacy is one of consumers' biggest concerns with increased AI use in hospitality

On average, nearly one-third of global consumers worry that their personal information and habits could be misused, and a further 21% are concerned about feeling monitored.

In the UK, 28% of consumers fear AI could misuse their personal information or habits, while 1 in 5 worry they’d feel constantly monitored or surveilled.

These privacy concerns are contributing to mixed feelings about the increased use of AI in hospitality, with 41% of UK consumers worried and 37% excited.

Champa Magesh, Managing Director of Access Hospitality, adds, “The message for operators is clear. With 41% of UK consumers sceptical about the increased use of AI in hospitality and 28% worried about their privacy, businesses must prioritise transparency and security to build trust.”

The steps businesses can take to protect their data while using AI

Put a clear AI Policy in place and inform all your colleagues
Champa Magesh, Managing Director at Access Hospitality advises: “Create a formal AI policy that outlines what data can and cannot be entered into AI systems, which tools are approved and who is responsible for oversight.

Make sure this is clearly communicated to all staff members and confirm they understand what the policy means.”

Connor Whelan, CIO at The Access Group comments, "Most data breaches aren't the result of sophisticated attacks - they come from everyday gaps that any organisation can fall prey to. When it comes to AI, having a clear policy is important, but it has to be backed by the right technical controls. People need to know what they can and can't put into an AI system, and the technology should enforce those boundaries, not just rely on good intentions. That combination - policy, controls, and regular reassessment - is how businesses meaningfully reduce risk."

Educate and train staff members
Champa shares that the industry needs to “Educate and train employees on what constitutes sensitive business information, the risks of entering this information into AI systems and the best practices for using AI.”

Use secure AI platforms
Champa advises, “Avoid entering sensitive information into publicly available AI tools that do not guarantee how information will be used and stored. Systems like OpenAI pose serious risks to confidentiality and data security when used by individuals who do not know how these systems process the information.

Choose secure platforms that protect data and ensure it remains secure and under your control.”

Diego Baldini, CISO at The Access Group comments, "The moment you enter sensitive business data into a publicly available AI tool, you lose control of it. That's not a risk worth taking. The businesses getting AI right are choosing platforms built with security at the core, where data is ringfenced, stays under their ownership, and isn't being used to train models they have no visibility into. That's the standard operators should be demanding."

Access Hospitality (part of The Access Group) provides dedicated products and management tools to help operators achieve sustainable growth through increased footfall, revenue, margins, reputation and loyalty. Our intelligent software ecosystem delivers real results for over 45,000 hospitality sites across the UK and more than 100,000 venues worldwide.