Americans Favor Mandating AI Firms Share Stock With Public
A majority of Americans support a proposed law that would compel AI companies to transfer half of their stock to a public sovereign wealth fund.
A significant majority of Americans support the idea of mandating artificial intelligence companies to transfer half of their stock to a public sovereign wealth fund, according to a new national survey by research firm Verasight. The poll of 1,690 adults found that 69% favor such a measure, which aims to return AI-generated profits to the economy and potentially provide direct payments to citizens.
The survey results emerge as major AI companies, including those associated with Elon Musk, OpenAI, and Anthropic, are planning their initial public offerings (IPOs). Meanwhile, established tech giants like Meta and Alphabet have seen their stock values rise due to substantial investments in AI development.
Beyond profit sharing, Americans also desire greater oversight of AI development. The survey revealed that 89% of respondents believe AI companies should be required to publicly disclose all internal safety testing results. Additionally, 81% support granting the federal government the authority to block AI systems deemed unsafe.
The concept of a public sovereign wealth fund for AI profits was recently introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. His proposed legislation aims to establish a fund managed by an independent commission, require companies to separate AI and non-AI businesses, and direct AI profits back into the economy, aligning with a principle that public resources generating wealth should benefit the public.