Most Americans want AI development to slow down or stop entirely, new poll finds

A Quinnipiac poll finds most Americans want AI development slowed or stopped for safety.

A Quinnipiac University poll of 1,202 US adults, fielded September 24-27 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 points, found most respondents want AI slowed. Forty-seven percent want the pace reduced and 30 percent want development stopped until safety is verified, while only 5 percent want it faster. Eighty-six percent support independent safety standards even if they slow progress, 73 percent worry AI could threaten humanity's survival, and 74 percent have little or no trust in AI company leaders. Fifty-three percent expect more harm than good in daily life, 72 percent oppose a local AI data center, and 69 percent say keeping pace with China is important.