United States: Distrust in AI and Crisis of Confidence

In the United States, several indicators converge: polls show a majority concern regarding AI, data center projects trigger local counteroffers, and tech leaders now speak of a "crisis of trust." While Dario Amodei (Anthropic) and Brian Chesky (Airbnb) call for more useful products and to keep promises, the battle is also being fought on the political front, all the way to Ohio.

CEOs Speak of a "Big Problem" and a "Crisis of Trust"

Dario Amodei, the head of Anthropic, described this week the public's negative perception of AI as a "big problem" and, more broadly, a "crisis of trust." He argues that this distrust stems from a lack of confidence in companies, governments, and the tech industry, with some suspecting "a new way to scam them." For him, the way out involves delivering concrete results that match the promises made, citing, for example, the cure for cancer, and acknowledging that not having yet delivered these benefits "is entirely [their] fault."
In a podcast, Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, also believes that the backlash is real. He attributes it to the fact that the sector does not offer enough products appreciated by "ordinary people," judges that part of the problem lies in the narrative around AI, and calls for the design of more everyday uses—going so far as to mention on-demand access to a doctor for those who cannot afford it.

Polls Show Growing Distrust

Public opinion surveys reflect the same trend. According to Pew Research, 52% of Americans now say they are more concerned than excited about the expansion of AI in daily life, up from 37% in 2021. Among 18-34 year-olds, a survey shows that a majority do not trust industry leaders to "act responsibly" regarding AI. And in May, The Economist/YouGov measured that over 70% of Americans believe AI is advancing too quickly.

Local Counteroffers Accumulate Around Data Centers

According to the Wall Street Journal, AI data center projects across the country have become a public relations headache for the companies behind them this week. Pressured to improve their proposals to local communities, they are offering job guarantees or investments in drinking water. In one cited case, a parish in Louisiana was offered $50,000 bonuses for its teachers.

A Political Warning Targeted at Ohio

On the political front, the National Republican Senatorial Committee warned major AI companies via memo that the establishment of data centers in the United States could harm the party's chances in a key election in Ohio. The issue of AI infrastructure has thus become central to a local electoral challenge.