AI anxiety is sweeping the globe — and cutting across party lines: poll
A recent POLITICO poll reveals widespread public anxiety regarding AI across the US, Canada, and Europe, with many favoring a pause in development. A majority of respondents expressed concerns that AI poses a risk to humanity and could lead to significant job displacement.
Why it matters
The findings suggest a growing political challenge for world leaders who must balance technological innovation with public demand for safety and regulation.
An anti-AI placard. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images The freakout over AI that started in Silicon Valley has swept Western countries. A new POLITICO Poll finds that pluralities of adults in the US, Canada, and Europe want to pause AI development. A majority of those surveyed also believe there's a real risk the technology could destroy humanity. The freakout over AI that started in Silicon Valley and led to growing American calls to pause development has swept Western countries. A new POLITICO Poll finds that pluralities of adults in the US, Canada, and Europe want to pause AI development regardless of their political leanings — and most believe there's a real risk the technology could destroy humanity. Pluralities of respondents in several countries say it's okay for their country to fall behind others in the development of AI if it means being more responsible and secure when advancing it.
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