Three out of four Americans say AI firms not doing enough to prevent disaster, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

Seventy-three percent of Americans surveyed believe that artificial intelligence companies are not taking sufficient measures to prevent serious societal harm from AI, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll, conducted over four days, revealed that 39% of respondents think AI is negatively impacting society, a rise from 36% last month and the highest share since the question was first asked in March.

Only 11% saw AI as a positive development. The majority of Americans lack confidence in AI companies' ability to self-regulate, with most preferring federal officials to set safety standards. While some prominent figures, including US Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, have called for federal action, little progress has been made so far.

The current Republican-led House of Representatives is on recess until November, leaving little room for immediate action. Despite the potential for disruption in labor markets and cybersecurity risks, most Americans, 69%, have followed news about major AI companies advocating for a slowdown in AI development and greater oversight.