Most Americans want AI development to slow down or stop entirely, new poll finds
According to a Quinnipiac University poll, 77 percent of Americans want to slow down or stop AI development until its safety has been verified. 86 percent support independent safety standards, and 74 percent have little or no trust in AI company leaders.
A Quinnipiac University poll reveals that a majority of Americans want AI development to slow down or stop until safety measures are verified, highlighting public concerns about AI's risks and trust in industry leaders.
What happened
A Quinnipiac University poll surveyed 1,202 US adults, finding that most Americans are concerned about AI development and advocate for safety measures, independent standards, and regulatory oversight.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the need for robust safety measures and public trust in AI development, which are critical for the responsible advancement of AI technologies.
- Public opinion strongly supports slowing AI development until safety is ensured.
- There is widespread support for independent safety standards in AI.
- Trust in AI company leaders is low among the general public.
The bigger picture
The poll results indicate a significant public demand for regulatory frameworks and safety standards, which could influence policy decisions and industry practices regarding AI development.
The poll underscores growing public concerns about AI's safety and the need for independent oversight, reflecting a demand for cautious and transparent AI development.
FAQ
What percentage of Americans want to slow down or stop AI development?
77% of Americans want to slow down or stop AI development until safety is verified.
What is the public's stance on independent safety standards for AI companies?
86% of Americans support independent safety standards for AI companies.
How much trust do Americans have in AI company leaders?
74% of Americans have little or no trust in AI company leaders.
What percentage of people believe AI will do more harm than good?
53% of Americans believe AI will do more harm than good in daily life.
Why is public trust in AI leaders low?
The poll suggests that the public wants safeguards not dependent on company leaders' assurances, indicating skepticism about current leadership's reliability.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
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Originally published by The Decoder on Oct 5, 2026.
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