Most Americans Say Tech Companies Should Be Allowed to Set AI Limits

Amid Anthropic's dispute with the Pentagon over the use of its AI systems, 67% of Americans say private technology companies have a responsibility to set limits on how their products are used, even when the government disagrees. A further 53% say companies should have the right to restrict their AI from applications such as domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons, according to a new survey commissioned by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Support is bipartisan for allowing companies to set guardrails on their AI systems. Key findings include:

• 79% say a human should always make the final decision before any use of lethal force (Democrats: 81%; Republicans: 81%)
• Majorities are “very concerned” about certain AI risks across the board:
  • Systems making errors in high-stakes military situations with no human to intervene (Adults: 54%; Democrats: 61%; Republicans: 51%)
  • AI being used for mass surveillance of American citizens by the government (Adults: 53%; Democrats: 59%; Republicans: 48%)
  • Other nations using AI for military purposes against the U.S. (Adults: 53%; Democrats: 55%; Republicans: 55%)
• 71% agree the U.S. should research and develop AI-controlled weapons to understand the technology and defend against adversaries, even if never deployed (Democrats: 72%; Republicans: 79%)
• 46% say the government should only use AI surveillance on specific targets with a court-issued warrant (Democrats: 45%; Republicans: 51%)
• 70% agree that using AI to monitor Americans without a warrant violates the Fourth Amendment (Democrats: 74%; Republicans: 71%)
• 45% oppose using emergency laws to compel AI company compliance (Democrats: 57%; Republicans: 29%)