Ohio State University poll reveals widespread support for AI regulation amid data center protests
A recent survey by The Ohio State University indicates that a strong majority of Ohioans across the political spectrum support government regulation of artificial intelligence to prevent harm, even if it slows innovation. This sentiment is connected to ongoing protests at the Ohio Statehouse against the siting of large data centers, reflecting a desire for human control over AI and its infrastructure. The findings suggest a clear mandate for policymakers to balance AI innovation with oversight.
A survey of 501 Ohio adults, conducted by The Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resource Research between April 14 and May 12, reveals a strong bipartisan consensus among Ohioans regarding artificial intelligence. Professors Ryan D. King and Stephen M. Gavazzi of OSU reported that over 70% of residents advocate for government regulation of AI to prevent harm, even if it might impede innovation, emphasizing the need for human oversight. This desire for regulation is consistent across the political spectrum, with both liberal and conservative respondents expressing similar views.
The survey's findings gain particular relevance from recent protests by Ohioans at the Statehouse, directed against the siting of large data centers. These citizens, some of whom testified before the Select Committee on Data Centers, expressed concerns about AI and favored its regulation, linking the expansion of AI infrastructure to their broader anxieties. While most Ohioans regularly use AI tools and generally trust them, they clearly expect AI to serve as an assistive tool rather than an independent decision-maker, particularly in sensitive areas like legal, medical, and educational contexts. A significant 80% of respondents also agreed that state and federal governments should regulate tech companies to ensure minimal safety standards.