More and more US employees back forcing AI companies to transfer half of their stock into a public wealth fund (www.techradar.com)

A recent survey conducted by Verasight reveals that 69% of Americans support Senator Bernie Sanders’ proposal for AI companies to transfer 50% of their stock into a public wealth fund. This initiative aims to give the public a stake in the profits of AI firms and help fund essential services like healthcare and education. The data indicates a strong desire among respondents for increased federal oversight of AI, as nearly half distrust existing regulations from the companies themselves, believing they primarily serve corporate interests. Curiously, trust in the federal government surpasses that of leading AI firms, with 30% of respondents favoring the government over companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. The implications of this survey are significant for the AI/ML community, as it highlights a growing public concern regarding the ethical and economic impact of AI technologies. While support for Sanders’ proposal diminishes slightly when he is mentioned, the notion of a socially responsible AI industry is resonating with a bipartisan audience. As public perception continues to shift against AI companies, there is an opportunity for industry leaders like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to engage in more transparent practices and take on greater social responsibility, potentially restoring trust and improving AI's image in society.