Federal legislators in the Senate are poised to deliberate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act next week, although a recent survey suggests that one of its controversial elements is disliked by voters across the political divide. This element would bar states from overseeing artificial intelligence for a decade. Proponents claim that U.S. technology firms require freedom from a hodgepodge of state regulations to compete on a global scale, addressing issues like deepfakes, fraud, and minors’ safety. Conversely, opponents argue that such an extensive prohibition would negatively impact consumers, particularly since Congress lacks any protective legislation on the books.
The fresh poll examined 1,022 registered voters nationwide concerning their perspectives on a state regulatory hold, revealing that American voters predominantly reject it. Conducted in mid-May by Echelon Insights for Common Sense Media, the survey determined that 59% of participants opposed the initiative. Among Republicans, 50% were against it, in contrast to 31% who showed support. A significant majority of respondents, irrespective of their political affiliations, concurred that Congress should not obstruct states from implementing or enforcing their own policies on youth online safety and privacy.
Furthermore, 53% of participants expressed greater trust in state and local officials over Congressional politicians for effective AI regulation, while only 15% favored politicians and regulators from Washington, D.C. The remainder were uncertain about whom they trusted more.
“The statistics are unmistakable,” commented Kristen Soltis Anderson, Echelon Insights partner and co-founder, in a statement regarding the survey. “Voters are alarmed about the potential risks AI-generated content may pose to children and teens, and they are clear in their desire for the federal government not to dictate what states can or cannot do concerning this matter.”
Last week, Common Sense Media allied with a coalition of advocacy groups, including Fairplay and the Center For Humane Technology, in appealing to congressional leaders to exclude the AI moratorium from the budget proposed by the GOP. “By eliminating all current and future state AI regulations without establishing new federal safeguards, AI companies would achieve exactly what they desire: no regulations, no responsibility, and complete dominion,” the coalition stated in an open letter.
Common Sense Media also backs two legislative proposals in California aimed at imposing limits on AI companion platforms, which advocates contend are currently hazardous for adolescents. One particular bill explicitly prohibits high-risk AI applications, such as “anthropomorphic chatbots that provide companionship” for children, which could lead to emotional dependency or manipulation.
In summary, survey participants conveyed considerable anxiety regarding youth safety and AI, with over 90% expressing concerns about minors encountering highly sexualized AI-generated content online.