Faroese workers want to use AI but lack implementation

Many Faroese employees are eager to adopt artificial intelligence tools in their workplaces but struggle to get started, according to a report by Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

Gunnleygur Clementsen, an advisor at the Faroese AI Agency (Vitlíkisstovuni), said responses to the question of AI use in workplaces are nearly always the same: “We’d love to, but we haven’t gotten started yet.” Ólavur Ellefsen, director of the digital accessibility organisation Usable, added that Faroese workers feel they are “not doing well” in adopting workplace AI.

The main barriers include unclear regulatory frameworks around data protection, confidentiality, and cybersecurity, which make employers hesitant to proceed without clearer guidelines. “Until these issues are resolved, we risk ending up in undesirable situations,” Clementsen warned, noting that improper use of AI could lead to sensitive data falling into the wrong hands if staff are not properly trained.

Ellefsen emphasised that structured AI adoption could significantly ease workloads, particularly in healthcare and social services, where staffing shortages are acute. However, he stressed the need for better education about the technology to prevent resistance from employees who may fear job displacement.

“We can either let AI control us, or we can take control of AI,” Ellefsen said. “The key is figuring out how to best utilise what it can offer.”

Clementsen also highlighted a lack of leadership commitment, with most AI initiatives currently driven by enthusiastic individuals rather than organised organisational strategies. Both experts agreed that while challenges remain, resolving them is within reach if authorities act promptly to establish clear rules.