The People VS. AI

THE GRASSROOTS BIPARTISAN MOVEMENT TO REIN IN AN INDUSTRY

- ANDREW R. CHOW, HARRY BOOTH

ONE ICY MORNING IN FEBRUARY, nearly 200 people gathered in a church in downtown Richmond, Va. Most had awakened before dawn and driven in from across the state. There were Republicans and Democrats from rural farms and D.C. exurbs. They shared one goal: to fight back against AI development in a region with the largest concentration of data centers in the world. "Aren't you tired of being ignored by both parties, and having your quality of life and your environment absolutely destroyed by corporate greed?" state senator Danica Roem said, to a standing ovation.

The activists-wearing homemade shirts with slogans like BOONDOGGLE: DATA CENTER IN BOTETOURT COUNTY-marched to the state capitol and spent the day testifying to lawmakers about their fears over data centers' impacts on electricity, water, noise pollution, and more. Some lawmakers pledged to help: "You're getting a sh-t deal," state delegate John McAuliff told activists.

The phrase captured many people's feelings toward the AI industry as a whole. Not much unites Americans these days. But a growing cross section of the publicfrom MAGA loyalists to Democratic socialists, pastors to policymakers, nurses to filmmakers-agree on at least one thing: AI is moving too fast. While most Americans use the tools, the U.S. is one of the most AIpessimistic countries in the world.

A 2025 Pew poll found five times as many Americans are concerned as are excited about the increased use of AI in daily life. The public thinks AI will worsen our ability to think creatively, form meaningful relationships, and make difficult decisions, Pew found. Other surveys show Americans believe AI will spread misinformation, erode our sense of purpose and meaning, and harm our social and emotional intelligence.

Industry boosters argue the U.S. is in a race with China for technological supremacy, and thus the sprint has existential stakes. But many Americans.