Verasight poll shows broad support for tougher AI rules and public stock transfers

A new Verasight national survey finds Americans want much stricter AI oversight, with strong support for mandatory safety disclosures and government authority to block risky systems. The June 2026 poll also shows surprising backing for requiring AI firms to send half their stock to a public fund.

Why it matters: - The poll suggests public appetite for aggressive AI regulation is broader than standard safety rules. - Support extends to economic controls that would push AI firms to share corporate wealth with the public. - The findings add pressure on federal policymakers as AI systems move deeper into consumer and business use.

What happened: - Verasight released findings from its June 2026 AI Survey on July 2, 2026. - The nationwide poll found 69% support for requiring AI firms to transfer 50% of their stock to a public fund. - Support for that policy fell only slightly to 64% when the idea was explicitly tied to Sen. Bernie Sanders. - 89% of respondents supported requiring AI companies to publicly disclose the results of all internal safety testing. - 81% supported giving the federal government explicit authority to block the release of any AI system deemed risky. - 49% said the government, not tech companies, should have the final say on safety standards.

The details: - The survey found 43% of Americans believe regulations proposed by AI firms are intentionally designed to benefit the companies rather than protect the public. - 30% of respondents said they trust the U.S. government more than prominent AI developers, including Anthropic, to judge whether a model is safe for public deployment. - Verasight described itself as a nonpartisan survey research firm that collects verified, representative survey responses. - The June 2026 AI Survey used a 17-question format and was conducted June 18-19, 2026. - The sample included 1,690 adults ages 18 and older and was designed to be nationally representative. - Verasight said its verified panel uses a multi-mode methodology to represent the U.S. population.

Between the lines: - The results point to deep skepticism about AI companies policing themselves. - Public support for stock transfers suggests the AI debate is now about economic distribution as much as safety. - Verasight CEO and Co-Founder Ben Leff said the survey shows a rare instance of bipartisan agreement around federal oversight, transparency and accountability.

What's next: - The survey could give lawmakers more backing for stricter disclosure rules and stronger federal intervention powers. - The results may also feed into broader debates over whether AI gains should stay concentrated in private firms or be shared more publicly. - Verasight said its infrastructure supports academic research, government studies and national media polling, including work for ABC News, The Associated Press, CBS News, CNN, FOX News Media and NBC News.