85% of the Canadians want to show government regulation for AI, poll
A recent survey conducted in Canada has revealed that the majority of Canadians are in favor of regulating artificial intelligence (AI). The poll, conducted by army, found that 85 percent of respondents believe that governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. Additionally, almost half of respondents expressed concerns that AI could contribute to cognitive decline.
The survey, which interviewed 1,518 people between August 22 and 25, highlighted the growing importance of AI regulation in the eyes of the public. Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at army, noted that Canadians are keen to see the government take action in this area.
Despite these concerns, the use of AI tools has actually increased in Canada. The survey found that 57 percent of respondents reported using an AI tool, up from 30 percent in February 2024. This increase may be even higher, as some individuals may not realize they are using AI in devices such as thermostats or virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa.
In light of these findings, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Evan Solomon, has indicated that he will be shifting focus away from AI regulation. The Trudeau government had proposed an AI regulation bill, but it had not been passed before the elections were called. It remains unclear if and when the bill will be reintroduced.
The survey also revealed concerns about the impact of AI on jobs, with 78 percent of respondents fearing that AI tools could threaten human employment. Additionally, 46 percent expressed worries that relying on AI in daily life could lead to intellectual laziness or a decline in cognitive skills.
Privacy was another key concern, with 83 percent of respondents expressing worries about becoming too dependent on AI tools and the potential implications for society. Despite these concerns, respondents generally rated the AI tools they used positively, with 75 percent describing them as excellent or good.
Overall, opinions on the impact of AI tools were mixed, with about a third of respondents viewing them as beneficial for society, a third as detrimental, and a third undecided. The Canadian Research Insights Council noted that online surveys, like this one, may not be fully representative of the population.
In conclusion, the survey highlights the complex relationship Canadians have with AI, balancing concerns about regulation, job security, cognitive impact, and privacy with the convenience and utility of AI tools in daily life. As the use of AI continues to grow, it will be important for policymakers to address these concerns while also harnessing the potential benefits of AI technology.
