Washington, D.C. – A new Fox News Poll reveals that Americans are increasingly concerned about the societal impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and are demanding government intervention to ensure that its development serves the public good, not just corporate profits.

The poll, conducted May 15–18, 2026, indicates that a significant majority of registered voters believe the federal government must urgently address AI regulation, prioritizing safeguards for the public interest over the unchecked pursuit of innovation.

Nearly 8 in 10 voters consider AI regulation to be either extremely (40%) or very (37%) urgent, highlighting the widespread anxiety about the potential for AI to exacerbate existing inequalities and create new forms of discrimination.

The poll reveals that 80% of voters favor prioritizing the protection of public interests through AI regulation, while only 19% prioritize promoting innovation. This overwhelming preference underscores the public's understanding that unregulated AI could lead to job displacement, algorithmic bias, and erosion of privacy, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

A generational divide emerges, with fewer voters under 30 (69%) viewing AI regulation as urgent compared to those 65 and over (84%). This may reflect younger voters' greater familiarity with AI technologies, but also highlights the need to educate younger generations about the potential risks.

The survey indicates that 51% of respondents believe the federal government should have a great deal of responsibility for AI regulation, while 54% place responsibility on the tech industry. However, relying solely on the tech industry to self-regulate is a dangerous proposition, as these companies are driven by profit motives and may not adequately address the ethical and social implications of their technologies.

While majorities of all age groups prioritize protecting the public, the generational gap persists: 66% of those under 30 favor it, compared to 88% of voters 65+. This suggests that younger voters may need more education about the potential dangers of unregulated AI.

Democrats (83%) and independents (82%) are somewhat more likely than Republicans (77%) to prioritize protecting the public interest, reflecting the Democratic Party's traditional emphasis on social justice and consumer protection.

The poll also reveals a divide on international coordination, with 51% favoring coordination and 49% preferring independent action. However, given the global nature of AI development and deployment, international cooperation is essential to ensure that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically worldwide.

Partisan divisions are starker on international coordination, with 6 in 10 Democrats favoring coordination and 6 in 10 Republicans backing independent action. This divergence reflects broader disagreements about the role of the United States in international affairs.

This Fox News Poll confirms the growing public demand for proactive government regulation of AI to ensure that its development aligns with the public interest. Policymakers must heed this call and enact comprehensive regulations to protect vulnerable communities from the potential harms of AI.

The results are based on a sample of 1,002 registered voters with a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) conducted the poll May 15–18, 2026.

Ultimately, AI policy must prioritize social justice, equity, and human rights, ensuring that this powerful technology serves to uplift all members of society, not just the privileged few.