Story perspectives

73% of Americans Worry AI Firms Aren’t Preventing Harm

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 3:24 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

A poll finds 73% of Americans worry AI companies haven’t prevented serious harm.
Only 11% view AI positively while 39% say it harms society.
55% support slowing AI development, and most want federal officials to set safety standards.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon have urged federal action, but no legislation has passed.

History

Historical Context

Congress passed the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in 1986, expanding a 1984 computer-fraud provision that had been prompted by the 1983 film WarGames. The law has been amended repeatedly, and the Supreme Court’s 2021 Van Buren decision narrowed its “exceeds authorized access” scope. Lawmakers now cite CFAA’s legacy while drafting AI safety bills, with figures such as Senator Ron Wyden and Rep. Zoe Lofgren leading the effort.

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Story summary

A poll finds 73% of Americans worry AI companies haven’t prevented serious harm.
Only 11% view AI positively while 39% say it harms society.
55% support slowing AI development, and most want federal officials to set safety standards.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Steve Bannon have urged federal action, but no legislation has passed.

1 / 2