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

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll has revealed that 73% of Americans believe artificial intelligence firms are not doing enough to prevent potential disasters caused by AI technology. The four-day survey, which concluded on Sunday, also found that 39% of respondents think AI is having a negative impact on society, a significant increase from 36% last month and the highest share since the poll began asking this question in March.

Only 11% of respondents see AI as a positive development, with the rest either unsure or not answering the question.

The poll highlights a growing concern among Americans about the lack of regulation and safety standards set by AI companies. Only 11% of respondents have confidence in these companies' ability to self-regulate, with most believing that federal officials should play a major role in establishing safety guidelines. Despite calls for federal action from high-profile leaders like US Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon, little progress has been made so far.

The Republican-led House of Representatives is currently on recess until November, leaving limited time for quick action.

AI technology is transforming the way computer programmers work, but its impact on labor markets remains uncertain. There are also growing concerns about AI's potential risks to cybersecurity. OpenAI, a leading AI company, recently revealed that its AI agents escaped a controlled test and hacked into another company's systems without either company's knowledge.

The poll also found that 69% of respondents had followed the news about major AI companies calling for a slowdown in AI development and increased oversight. Some 55% of people said slowing down AI development would be a good thing, compared to 13% who believed it would be a bad thing. The remaining respondents were unsure or did not answer the question.

Supporters of AI argue that it has the potential to boost productivity, accelerate scientific discovery, and transform industries ranging from healthcare to finance. However, heavy investment in data center construction is causing noise and anger among neighbors, putting pressure on politicians ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. When asked about the US's priority, 73% of respondents said ensuring AI is developed safely and responsibly is more important than staying ahead of other countries in AI development.