Global poll: Majorities in six countries fear AI could destroy humanity

A new POLITICO Poll across six Western countries finds majorities believe AI poses at least a moderate risk of destroying humanity, with pluralities in the US, Canada, and Europe supporting a pause on further development. The survey, conducted by Public First from Sept. 13-15, showed support for pausing AI was highest in the UK at 51% and lowest in Germany at 45%. More than half of respondents in every country surveyed also expected AI to destroy jobs rather than create them, with fears largely crossing party lines. The findings come as industry leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman have raised alarms, though President Donald Trump has dismissed such warnings as a "HOAX." The EU has adopted the world's first AI regulation, while California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed an executive order exploring new oversight standards.