A Quinnipiac University poll found 47% of Americans want AI development slowed, and 30% want it stopped entirely until safety is verified. Only 5% support faster development. The survey, conducted from September 24 to 27, included 1,202 U.S. adults with a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points.
86% of respondents support independent safety standards for AI companies, even if they slow progress. 73% worry AI could eventually threaten humanity's survival, and 74% have little or no trust in AI company leaders.
"Taken together, these results suggest that the public wants safeguards that do not depend simply on taking company leaders at their word," said Chetan Jaiswal of Quinnipiac University. He added that the findings highlight a demand for transparency and accountability in AI development.
The poll also found 53% believe AI will do more harm than good in daily life, and 91% say guardrails for AI systems in the U.S. are important. 69% say keeping pace with China on AI is important, while 72% oppose an AI data center in their own community.
More than half of respondents are more worried about humans misusing AI than about autonomous AI. The poll reflects growing public concern about the risks and ethical implications of rapid AI advancement.
Quinnipiac University did not comment on the specific measures that should be taken, and the source raised the open question of how to balance innovation with safety. The findings underscore the need for a public dialogue on AI governance.
Source: thedecoder
