Public opinion in the United States has turned against artificial intelligence (AI) and the data centres that support it, with a recent survey revealing widespread concern. A Marquette University Law School survey found that 70% of Americans believe AI is bad for society, and 73% think the costs associated with data centres outweigh their benefits.
This represents a notable change from 2021, when Pew Research Center surveys indicated only 37% of Americans were more concerned than excited about AI technology. That figure has now increased to 52%, with 55% of young adults, typically the most enthusiastic group, also expressing a negative view. This concern is bipartisan, affecting both Democrats and Republicans.
The backlash extends to the physical infrastructure of AI, with communities across the US imposing moratoria and bans on new data centre developments. This opposition is not solely focused on local development but also reflects broader public skepticism towards the AI project itself.
Despite this public sentiment, the popular backlash is unlikely to halt the construction of data centres. Donald Trump reportedly supports the moguls building an AI future, and the Environmental Protection Agency is planning to remove a rule requiring states to seek public input on air pollution permits for industrial facilities like data centres and their power plants. This could mean locals are not informed until construction begins.