As New Congress and Administration Begins, Voters Want Leaders to Focus on Issues that Impact Economic and National Security and Pressing Pocketbook Issues, Not Further Regulation of U.S. Tech Industry and AI
Washington, DC – A new survey released today by the American Edge Project (AEP) reveals that U.S. voters nationwide want their elected officials to prioritize national security and pressing pocketbook issues – such as the cost of living, health care, and Social Security – instead of pursuing regulatory policies that stifle innovation in the U.S. tech industry and in artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Voters continue to worry about technological threats from foreign adversaries, namely China, and see U.S. tech as part of the solution to their national security concerns. They also want policymakers to take steps to ensure the U.S. remains a global tech leader – for example, by encouraging U.S. tech innovations and open-source AI models.
“This poll makes it clear: voters want leaders who put America first by strengthening our economy, protecting national security, and keeping us ahead of adversaries, namely China,” said Doug Kelly, CEO of American Edge Project. “That’s why American tech innovation, especially in AI, is so important: it drives prosperity, defends our freedom, and ensures America stays on top. To secure our leadership, policymakers must partner with the private sector and champion open- and closed-source AI development, while avoiding misguided regulations that risk weakening us and handing the future to authoritarian regimes.”
This survey, conducted by Mercury Analytics, was fielded between December 2 and December 9, 2024, and surveyed 1,508 registered voters nationwide. It is a continuation of research conducted in the lead up to the election, between October 3 and 10, 2024, in which Mercury Analytics surveyed 1,504 likely voters.
To read the full analysis from this study, see this memo.
Key findings include:
- Policymakers pushing tech and AI regulation are pursuing low priority issues. Regulating U.S. tech companies and AI are relatively low priorities. Rather, across party lines, voters want elected officials to focus on key economic, health care and national security issues.
- Prioritizing key pocketbook issues over far-reaching tech regulation can help bolster political support. Republican, Democratic, and Independent voters reward leaders who prioritize key issues such as creating jobs and strengthening the economy over further regulating American tech companies.
- Voters continue to worry about the security implications of foreign technology surpassing American tech. Nationwide, the vast majority of voters (85%) are worried about technological threats from foreign adversaries. Specifically, voters fear cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure and falling behind countries, namely China, on tech innovations (e.g., advancements in AI).
- To better protect U.S. national security, voters want their elected leaders to partner with and utilize U.S. tech companies. The vast majority of nationwide voters (81%) agree that U.S. tech companies are central to U.S. cyber defense capabilities and want to see the government partner with them on issues related to national defense.
- Voters increasingly see open-source AI as a way to strengthen our core values and keep the U.S. at the forefront of technology and freedom. Nationwide, over two-thirds of voters agree that open-source AI would strengthen our core values – including free speech, an open internet, and an open society – while also ensuring the U.S. remains a global tech leader.
- Voters want to encourage both open- and closed-source AI models, so that the U.S. can be a global leader in shaping the future of AI. To ensure the U.S. remains a global leader on AI, voters support both open- and closed-source AI models. They also oppose heavy-handed regulations that would prevent maximum innovation and security.
The bottom line: Voters want to see their elected leaders address the priorities that matter to them – issues like the economy, health care, and national security. They see U.S. tech as a central part of the solution to their national security concerns. Misguided policies that further regulate U.S. tech innovations, such as open-source AI, could have negative unintended consequences that voters are worried about, including greater threats to national security and the U.S. losing its competitive edge to China.
BACKGROUND:
The American Edge Project is a coalition of domestic organizations representing a cross-section of U.S. innovators who are dedicated to telling the story about technology’s positive influence on America’s economy and the vital role innovation plays in our society. Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, former U.S. Representative Chris Carney, and former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith are directors of the American Edge Project. AEP’s National Security Advisory Board is comprised of Former White House Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Frances Townsend; retired four-star General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., United States Marine Corps (USMC), who served as former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and former Acting Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Michael J. Morell. Former U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Kent Conrad (D-ND) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Economic Advisory Board. Former U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) and Former U.S. Representative Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) serve as Co-Chairs of the Project’s Open & Accessible Internet Advisory Board.
Visit AmericanEdgeProject.org for more information.
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