Most Americans Don't Want AI Data Centers Near Home, Even as They Support AI Rules

A March 2024 Gallup survey found 71% of Americans oppose building AI data centers—the facilities that power AI—in their neighborhoods, though 48% feel very strongly about it. The same people support rules to keep AI safe nationwide. This mirrors past resistance to nuclear plants and cell towers: Americans like the technology's benefits but reject the physical infrastructure nearby, a pattern that may slow U.S. AI development.