Voters Support Common Sense A.I. Policy

The release of ChatGPT set off a flurry of media, investor and public policy interest in the topic of artificial intelligence.

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Over the last year, there have been bipartisan working groups on artificial intelligence in both chambers of Congress and the Executive Branch, and a number of states are exploring legislation to regulate artificial intelligence.

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Rainey Center conducted survey research to help understand how voters feel about artificial intelligence and what, if any, regulatory approach they would support. We find that voters have deep concerns about a number of aspects of artificial intelligence developments and support an active public sector approach to regulation, rather than embracing a hands off approach.

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We find that voters are both concerned about the national security and societal implications of artificial intelligence. Voters are worried about the possibility that artificial intelligence is used by foreign adversaries but are also concerned that artificial intelligence will disrupt American society in worrying ways, such as the advent of “AI boyfriends” and “AI girlfriends.”

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Concerns about artificial intelligence is not concentrated in any single demographic or political party, but are strong across all demographics and partisan affiliations. Lawmakers would be wise to adopt a commonsense approach to artificial intelligence with an eye to avoiding large scale social disruption and dislocation and protecting American national security.

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