AI Protests in San Francisco Highlight Public Concerns as Companies Discuss Standards, Trump Dismisses Risks
Protesters gathered in San Francisco against the rapid development of AI, citing concerns about job displacement, high power and water usage for data centers, and existential risks. This comes amid discussions among AI companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google about forming a private standards body, and contrasting views from political figures including President Trump, who dismissed AI risks as a 'hoax.' New York's Governor Kathy Hochul also signed an executive order freezing state permits for new AI data centers over 50MW.
About two dozen protesters rallied outside the OpenAI and Anthropic offices in San Francisco, calling for a slowdown in advanced artificial intelligence development. This demonstration, organized under the banner "Stop the AI Race," coincided with Salesforce's Dreamforce conference a few blocks away, where AI's commercial promise was a central theme. The protests reflect growing public concern, with a Pew Research Center survey indicating 52% of U.S. adults are more worried than excited about AI, an increase from 37% in 2021.
The core concerns driving the opposition include potential job losses, the significant power and water demands of data centers, and existential risks posed by AI. The article notes that 142 simultaneous protests occurred across 42 states on July 18, and over 300 U.S. cities, towns, and counties have enacted bans or moratoriums on hyperscale data center construction. Notably, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order freezing state permits for new AI data centers drawing 50 megawatts or more.
Adding to the contradictory signals, OpenAI confirmed it is working with Anthropic and Google to create a private standards body, and also disclosed six new internal safety incidents. Politically, President Donald Trump dismissed warnings about AI as a "hoax," suggesting a "SICK conspiracy" benefiting China, while Vice President JD Vance echoed skepticism about regulatory requests. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, however, emphasized the real danger and the urgent need for congressional action.