Public Concern Mounts as US AI Strategy Prioritises Pace Over Precaution

A significant majority of Americans now believe artificial intelligence is developing too rapidly. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll, conducted in early October, found 52% of adults consider AI’s pace excessive. This figure represents a notable increase from the 38% recorded in July 2023.

Public anxiety appears to extend beyond just speed. The poll indicated 57% of adults are more concerned than excited about AI. This marks an eight-point rise in concern since July 2023. Only 10% expressed more excitement than concern. This sentiment cuts across demographic lines, with majorities of Democrats, Republicans, and independents sharing this apprehension. Republicans (66%) and independents (60%) reported higher levels of concern compared to Democrats (48%).

Concerns among the public often centre on potential societal impacts. 58% of respondents believe AI will reduce the number of available jobs. A similar proportion, 59%, expressed worries that AI will result in a net loss of jobs. Beyond employment, there is also apprehension regarding AI’s influence on elections and the spread of misinformation. 67% believe AI will increase the volume of false and misleading information. Furthermore, 64% predict AI will make it more challenging to determine the truthfulness of information. 60% anticipate AI will worsen the issue of foreign interference in US elections.

Conversely, fewer Americans anticipate positive outcomes. Only 17% expect AI to enhance election security, and 22% believe it will improve the quality of jobs. Just 28% foresee AI creating more jobs than it displaces. Despite these concerns, 69% of adults also believe AI will ultimately make their lives easier. There is also a segment, 30%, who believe AI will make their lives worse.

Regarding regulation, the poll indicates a desire for increased governmental oversight. 62% of Americans believe the government should regulate AI more than it currently does. Only 7% believe regulation should be less stringent. This sentiment for more regulation remains consistent across political affiliations, with 66% of Democrats, 60% of Republicans, and 61% of independents supporting it.

Despite this public inclination towards caution and regulation, the Trump administration has indicated a different approach. During a campaign event in October, Donald Trump asserted that the United States must lead in AI development to maintain global competitiveness. He stated that other nations, including China, are advancing rapidly in the field. Trump also referenced his administration's 2019 executive order on American AI leadership, which prioritised fostering innovation and limiting regulation. He framed AI development as a matter of national security and economic dominance, implying that slowing progress would cede an advantage to geopolitical rivals.

This stance aligns with previous administration directives. The 2019 order focused on promoting AI research and development across various sectors, including defence, energy, and healthcare. Its emphasis was on maintaining an environment conducive to technological advancement, including workforce training and access to data and computing resources. The administration’s policy framework has generally aimed to avoid overly prescriptive regulations that might stifle innovation, instead favouring a sector-specific approach where necessary. This approach often contrasts with calls for broad, preemptive AI regulation.

The divergence between public sentiment and policy direction highlights a growing tension. As AI capabilities expand, will the imperative for global leadership continue to outweigh increasing public unease?