Majority of Voters Want AI Development Slowed
Poll shows 70% of voters support monitoring AI growth as Trump signs safety pact with tech CEOs.
2 min read
A new poll reveals that a majority of American voters want artificial intelligence development to be monitored and slowed, aligning with President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to broker a safety pact with tech industry leaders. According to a survey conducted by Plymouth Union Public Research, 70 percent of respondents believe AI’s growth should be monitored in some way, while 62 percent think it poses a risk to humanity.
Public Concerns Outweigh Optimism
The survey, conducted from September 25 to 28 with a margin of error of 3.1 percent, found that while over 60 percent of respondents said they knowingly use AI in their daily lives, opinions on its future remain divided. About 43 percent expressed excitement about AI’s potential, while 39 percent were concerned about its risks.
Despite the optimism among some, the majority of voters—72 percent—support slowing AI development, and 79 percent agree that collaboration between tech companies and the government is necessary to manage its growth. The results highlight a growing public demand for oversight and regulation in the AI sector.
Trump’s AI Safety Pact and Task Force
Following discussions with tech CEOs, Trump signed what he called a “morally binding” agreement to implement a light-touch regulatory approach for AI. The pact requires companies to adopt internal controls and partner with independent auditors to assess their regulatory practices. The agreement also led to the formation of the Super Intelligence Force (SIF), led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, with support from other key officials.
The SIF is tasked with providing a report on AI’s risks and benefits within 120 days, outlining the government’s role in managing its development. The memo accompanying the poll emphasizes that while the public supports Trump’s efforts to secure voluntary safeguards, there is a lingering lack of trust in the tech industry, which could lead to calls for more formal regulation in the future.
Public Sentiment and Policy Implications
The poll underscores a clear public sentiment that AI development should be carefully managed. While the tech industry and the administration advocate for a balanced approach, the findings suggest that voters are looking for transparency and accountability. The results are seen as a validation of Trump’s strategy to engage with industry leaders to establish common-sense safeguards, although the need for legislative action remains a possibility.
Source: Daily Caller
