Washington, D.C. – A new Fox News Poll indicates that while voters are concerned about the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI), they also harbor reservations about the appropriate role of government in regulating this rapidly evolving technology.

The poll, conducted May 15–18, 2026, reveals that a majority of registered voters believe the federal government should address AI regulation, but a significant portion also emphasizes the importance of allowing innovation to flourish.

While nearly 8 in 10 voters consider government regulation of AI to be either extremely (40%) or very (37%) urgent, this sentiment must be balanced against the potential for stifling innovation and economic growth. Overregulation could cripple American competitiveness in the global AI race.

The poll indicates that 80% of voters favor protecting public interests through AI regulation, while 19% prioritize promoting innovation. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between protecting the public and fostering an environment where American companies can lead the world in AI development.

A generational divide exists, with fewer voters under 30 (69%) viewing AI regulation as urgent compared to those 65 and over (84%). This may reflect a greater understanding of the potential benefits of AI among younger voters, who are more likely to be familiar with the technology.

The survey finds that 51% of respondents believe the federal government should have a great deal of responsibility for AI regulation, while 54% place responsibility on the tech industry. This suggests a desire for a collaborative approach, with the government setting broad guidelines and the tech industry taking the lead in implementation.

While majorities of all age groups prioritize protecting the public, the generational gap persists: 66% of those under 30 favor it, compared to 88% of voters 65+. This suggests that younger voters may be more open to allowing innovation to proceed with less government interference.

Democrats (83%) and independents (82%) are somewhat more likely than Republicans (77%) to prioritize protecting the public interest, reflecting the Republican Party's traditional emphasis on limited government and free enterprise.

The poll also reveals a significant divide on international coordination, with 51% favoring coordination and 49% preferring independent action. Many conservatives are wary of ceding control over AI regulation to international bodies, fearing that this could undermine American sovereignty and economic interests.

Partisan divisions are starker on international coordination, with 6 in 10 Democrats favoring coordination and 6 in 10 Republicans backing independent action. This highlights the fundamental disagreement between the two parties on the role of the United States in the world.

This Fox News Poll underscores the need for a balanced and cautious approach to AI regulation. While protecting the public from potential risks is important, policymakers must also avoid stifling innovation and undermining American competitiveness. Any regulatory framework should be carefully tailored to address specific concerns without hindering the development of this transformative technology.

The findings are based on a sample of 1,002 registered voters with a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) conducted the poll May 15–18, 2026.

Ultimately, AI regulation must be approached with caution, prioritizing American innovation, economic growth, and national sovereignty.