Voters of both parties want tighter AI regulation, poll finds

A new national poll reveals growing bipartisan support among American voters for stricter regulation of artificial intelligence technologies. According to a survey conducted by the Artificial Intelligence Policy Institute (AIPI), a significant majority of likely voters believe the government should implement formal safety reviews for advanced AI models before they are made available to the public. The findings underscore a shifting public sentiment toward increased governmental oversight in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

The AIPI poll, which ran from June 10 to June 12, surveyed 1,007 likely voters with a margin of error of 4.2 percentage points. It showed that 68 percent of respondents favored a formal review process for the most advanced AI models prior to their wide release. This preference was consistent across party lines, with 64 percent of Republicans, 76 percent of Democrats, and 63 percent of independents expressing support for government-led safety evaluations. Only 15 percent of Democrats, 24 percent of Republicans, and 23 percent of independents leaned towards allowing companies to self-regulate their AI models, primarily after incidents arise.

This trend reflects a broader concern about the potential risks associated with unregulated AI development. In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in opposition to the expansion of AI infrastructure, particularly concerning the construction of large-scale data centers. These facilities, essential for training and deploying advanced AI systems, have sparked controversy due to their high energy consumption and environmental impact. Communities near proposed sites have raised alarms about rising electricity costs and ecological damage, leading to a wave of local and state-level restrictions.

Maine became the first state in the U.S. to pass legislation halting the development of large-scale data centers, signaling a growing movement against unchecked AI infrastructure growth. This legislative action has been echoed by several other states, where similar proposals have gained traction. Notably, prominent figures such as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, aiming to suspend AI infrastructure construction until comprehensive regulatory frameworks are established.

The push for tighter AI regulation is also evident in the actions of the current administration. President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order focusing on enhancing cybersecurity measures for advanced AI models, directing federal agencies to strengthen defenses and develop mechanisms for evaluating AI safety. However, these efforts remain largely voluntary, with no binding mandates imposed on AI developers. Despite this, the administration has faced pressure from industry players like Anthropic and OpenAI, who have had to comply with government requests regarding the release of their latest AI models.

OpenAI, for instance, reportedly released its GPT-5.6 model to a limited group of trusted partners rather than the general public due to safety concerns raised by the government. Similarly, Anthropic received approval to grant access to its Mythos 5 model under controlled conditions. These developments highlight the ongoing tension between innovation and regulation in the AI sector.

The AIPI survey also revealed nuanced preferences regarding data center regulation. While 38 percent of respondents advocated for a complete ban on data centers, 47 percent expressed willingness to allow them if they met stringent safety and security criteria. This suggests that many voters are open to regulated development rather than outright prohibition, indicating a balanced approach to managing AI's societal impact.

As the debate over AI regulation intensifies, stakeholders across the political spectrum are likely to continue advocating for policies that balance technological advancement with public safety and ethical considerations. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these discussions translate into concrete legislative actions and regulatory frameworks.