In a political climate that often feels more divided than ever, it’s rare to find an issue that brings everyone to the table. But a recent survey from the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy has uncovered a surprising point of unity: the need for government regulation of artificial intelligence.
It turns out that when it comes to the potential risks of AI, Americans from all walks of life are largely on the same page. Let's dive into what this means for the future of technology and policy.
A Resounding Call for Oversight
The survey reveals a clear and powerful message: Americans are concerned about the potential harms of AI and want their government to step in. This isn't a partisan issue; large majorities of both Republicans and Democrats are calling for guardrails on this rapidly advancing technology.
“Clearly, Americans are seriously concerned about the current and potential harms from AI,” noted Steven Kull, Director of the Program for Public Consultation which conducted the survey. “And while the public is wary of government regulation, they are clearly more wary of the unconstrained development and use of AI.”
This public sentiment arrives at a critical time, as the federal government’s own AI Action Plan could potentially limit the ability of individual states to create their own regulations. The people, it seems, have a different idea.
Where Do Americans Agree?
The survey highlighted five key areas where there is overwhelming bipartisan support for regulation, even with the acknowledgment that it might slow down the pace of innovation.
1. Vetting Decision-Making AI Whether it's an AI helping to screen job applicants or assisting in medical diagnoses, the public wants a safety check. A staggering 84% of Republicans and 81% of Democrats believe AI programs should have to pass a government test before being used for important decisions. Furthermore, most agree that the government should be able to audit these systems and force companies to fix any problems that arise.
2. Transparency is Key An AI is only as good as the data it's trained on. Recognizing this, 74% of respondents favor requiring companies to disclose, upon government request, how their AI models were trained. This helps ensure fairness and prevent hidden biases.
3. Tackling the Deepfake Dilemma Deepfakes—AI-manipulated videos and images—pose a serious threat to truth and security. The public is demanding action. An impressive 83% of Republicans and 78% of Democrats support a ban on using deepfakes in political advertising. Additionally, 80% of all respondents want a clear and mandatory label on any deepfake that is shared publicly. As one survey respondent put it, “Purposefully putting out misleading videos and pictures to the public as the truth will be the downfall of any democratic society.”
4. Banning Autonomous Weapons The use of AI to create lethal autonomous weapons is considered one of the technology's most extreme risks. While the U.S. government has so far opposed an international ban, its citizens feel differently. A strong majority—75% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats—support the U.S. working to establish an international treaty to ban the development of these weapons.
What This Means for You
This widespread agreement sends a powerful signal to lawmakers and tech companies alike. The public is not willing to accept a 'move fast and break things' approach when it comes to artificial intelligence. The demand is for responsible innovation, where safety, ethics, and transparency are built in from the start. This public mandate could shape AI policy for years to come, pushing for a future where technology serves humanity without compromising its safety or its values.
Key Takeaways
- Bipartisan Unity: There is strong, cross-party agreement on the need for AI regulation.
- Safety First: The public prioritizes safety and oversight over the unchecked speed of innovation.
- Major Concerns: Key areas for regulation include AI in decision-making, deepfakes, and autonomous weapons.
- A Call for Transparency: Americans want to know how AI systems are trained and built.
- Public vs. Policy: Public opinion may challenge the current direction of federal AI policy, which has considered limiting state-level rules.