# Nearly half of Americans want AI development slowed, poll shows

> A Quinnipiac poll of 1,202 adults in late September finds 47% favor slowing AI progress and 30% want a full halt until safety is proven.

Oossa · 2026-10-05 · https://oossa.com/en/nearly-half-of-americans-want-ai-development-slowed-poll-shows

A new poll from Quinnipiac University reveals that most U.S. adults are uneasy about the speed of artificial‑intelligence development. 47% of those surveyed want the pace reduced, and 30% say work should stop altogether until safety can be verified. Only 5% want faster progress. The same poll shows strong support for independent safety standards, even if they slow things down.

## What the numbers say

The poll asked 1,202 adults about their views on AI. A clear majority think guardrails are needed, and many distrust AI company leaders. Concerns range from daily‑life harms to existential threats.

## The facts

- The poll was conducted from September 24 to 27, 2026 and surveyed 1,202 U.S. adults.
- 47% of respondents want AI development to be slowed down.
- 30% want a complete stop to AI development until safety is verified.
- 86% support independent safety standards for AI companies.
- 73% believe AI could eventually threaten humanity’s survival.

## Why it matters

For everyday people, these results suggest a growing demand for stricter safety checks before new AI tools become widely available. Companies may face more regulation or slower product rollouts, meaning consumers could see fewer rapid AI upgrades in the near term.

## Sources & references

1. [Most Americans want AI development to slow down or stop entirely, new poll finds](https://the-decoder.com/most-americans-want-ai-development-to-slow-down-or-stop-entirely-new-poll-finds/) – The Decoder, 2026-10-05

Last updated: 2026-10-05