Poll finds broad support for AI safeguards

A Quinnipiac University poll found broad support for safeguards on artificial intelligence, alongside widespread concern about the technology and low trust in AI-company leaders. In a survey of 1,202 U.S. adults conducted September 24-27, 91% said it was very or somewhat important for the United States to establish AI guardrails, and 81% said safety should take priority over innovation. The poll, released September 30, found that 73% of respondents were very or somewhat concerned that future AI systems could threaten human survival. Meanwhile, 74% said they had little or no trust in the leaders of AI companies, and 53% expected AI to do more harm than good in their daily lives. Respondents were more concerned about people using AI to cause harm than about autonomous AI systems doing so: 52% cited human misuse as their greater concern, compared with 33% who pointed to autonomous agents. The findings describe public views, not the likelihood of particular risks or the effect of any proposed policy. The results came shortly after President Donald Trump announced a voluntary agreement with participating AI companies to adopt safety measures.