Full Breakdown
The Growing Movement for Democratic Control of AI
3/20/2026, 9:47:02 PM
Emergence of Humans First
A grassroots movement named Humans First has emerged in the United States, uniting individuals across the political spectrum—ranging from MAGA conservatives to progressive environmentalists—concerned about the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for society. The group advocates for increased democratic oversight of AI technologies, aiming to counteract the influence of wealthy stakeholders in the industry. At a recent meeting in Manhattan, organizer Jeremy Ornstein emphasized the need for public control over AI, stating, “Artificial intelligence is not a problem of the future. It’s a source of power right now, to do great good and to do great harm.”
Diverse Political Backgrounds
Humans First is characterized by its diverse membership, which includes individuals with varying political ideologies. For instance, Amy Kremer, the director of conservative coalitions for the group, previously co-founded Women for Trump, while Alexander McCoy, a leader of the liberal faction, has a background in climate advocacy. This coalition aims to bridge political divides to address the shared concern over AI's rapid advancement and potential risks.
Criticism from AI Industry Leaders
The movement has faced criticism from prominent figures in the AI sector, notably David Sacks, a White House AI czar, who labeled Humans First as “a censorship power play.” His critique was echoed by Elon Musk, founder of xAI, who described Sacks' concerns as “troubling.” Critics argue that the group may be attempting to manipulate conservative sentiments to promote a regulatory agenda aligned with the principles of Effective Altruism, a movement advocating for evidence-based resource allocation.
Responses from Humans First
In response to the criticisms, Humans First leaders, including Joe Allen, a senior fellow, have rejected claims of being a front for progressive agendas. Allen emphasized his long-standing commitment to AI safety and dismissed the notion that he was unwittingly recruited for a partisan effort. The Center for AI Safety, which incubated Humans First, also refuted allegations of undue influence from the Effective Altruism movement, asserting that the group is focused on fostering safe and beneficial AI.
Broader Implications for AI Regulation
The emergence of Humans First highlights a growing public discourse on the need for regulatory frameworks governing AI technologies. As AI continues to evolve, the movement advocates for a more inclusive dialogue that encompasses diverse perspectives, emphasizing that the future of AI should not be dictated solely by corporate interests. The group aims to mobilize citizens to demand accountability and transparency in AI development, ensuring that the technology serves the public good.
Conclusion
The Humans First movement represents a significant shift in the conversation surrounding AI regulation, as it seeks to unify individuals from different political backgrounds around a common cause. As the debate over AI's role in society intensifies, the group's efforts to advocate for democratic control may shape the future landscape of AI governance in the United States.
