A plurality of Americans agree that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) becoming the world leader in AI technology is a greater risk to American safety than rapid AI development in the US.
WHY IT MATTERS
In 2022 the White House published the “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.” Although not legally enforceable, this bill of rights may inspire future legislation restricting AI. Limiting AI development in the US may allow China to become the world leader in AI technology.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA
The results show that the threat of China becoming the world leader in AI can soften support for restrictions on AI development in the US. However, rapid development is still a minority position.
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Preference for AI Development Restrictions
- 66% of Americans prefer policies that limit rapid AI development in the US, including 66% of Republicans, 64% of Democrats, and 65% of swing voters.
- 65% of New Majority and 67% of Left Minority voters prefer limiting rapid AI development in the US.
- 19% of Americans prefer policies that allow rapid AI development in the US.
Safety Risk of China Becoming AI World Leader
- 43% of Americans agree that the CCP becoming the world leader in AI technology is a greater risk to safety than rapid AI development in the US, including 47% of Republicans, 37% of Democrats, and 46% of swing voters.
- Gen Z voters are the least likely to view the CCP becoming the world leader in AI technology as a greater safety risk, with only 23% expressing this concern.
- 43% of New Majority and 42% of Left Minority voters agree that the CCP becoming the world leader in AI technology is a greater risk to safety than rapid AI development in the US.
China Not Trusted to Comply with Potential Agreements to Limit AI Development
- 74% of Americans do not trust the CCP to comply with potential international agreements to limit the development of AI technology, including 82% of Republicans, 66% of Democrats, and 75% of swing voters.
- 3-in-4 New Majority voters do not trust the CCP to comply.
- 4% of Americans place a great deal of trust in the CCP to comply, including 16% of Gen Z who are most likely to trust the CCP.
Shift in Opinion – Chinese Threat Changes Opinion on Rapid AI Development in US.
- After considering the threat of China becoming the world leader in AI, 33% say they prefer policies that enable Americans to develop AI as quickly as possible – a 14% increase over when participants were initially asked the same question.
- Asian voters are most likely to support policies for developing AI technology as quickly as possible at 41%, an increase of 8%.
- 35% of New Majority voters support policies that enable rapid development of AI by Americans – a 15% increase in support.
- 50% of voters still prefer policies that put limits on AI development in the United States even after considering the threat of Chinese dominance in AI.