Making official statistics available is essential, but public trust also depends on whether people can identify their source, understand their meaning and use them appropriately. As digital platforms and AI systems change how people find and encounter information, statistical organisations need to explain what makes their statistics reliable and relevant to users’ questions. This presentation considers three connected dimensions of statistical communication: trust, usefulness and coherence. Trust calls for clear explanations of the principles and safeguards behind official statistics, as well as their concepts, methods, revisions and limitations. Usefulness means adapting content, formats and channels to people with different needs and levels of statistical knowledge. Coherence requires coordination within the organisation so that information retains its meaning across channels and throughout the statistical process. Statistics Portugal’s experience provides practical examples of how these dimensions can be brought together through explanatory content, communication with respondents and statistical literacy initiatives. Educational resources, school competitions and work with educational communities encourage participants to examine sources, question claims and interpret data in context. The presentation considers how lessons from these activities can inform communication with wider audiences, particularly when AI-generated content and misinformation make reliable evidence harder to distinguish. AI-assisted search and explanation may make official statistics easier to find and understand. They also raise questions about source attribution, methodological accuracy and the loss of context in automated answers. The discussion examines these opportunities and challenges, including the role of transparency and human oversight. Finally, the presentation considers how communication can be evaluated beyond reach and engagement, with attention to understanding, user experience and perceived credibility. It argues that statistical literacy should be integral to communication and innovation, helping people use official statistics responsibly and providing a stronger basis for public trust.
