A recent national survey included over 2,000 Americans by Digital Currency Group and The Harris Poll shows widespread public support for decentralized AI (DeAI) across the US favoring open, community-led AI systems over those controlled by tech giants.
Surprisingly, people are discovering data privacy in decentralized AI as a way to make it more trustworthy, leading to a closer look at how this new technology is influencing the future of industry. This shift is mainly happening due to privacy, data control, and fairness in how AI technologies are developed and regulated.
Americans support decentralized AI platforms thinking it is a better option for innovation than traditional centralized AI dominated by big tech companies.
The impact of decentralized AI on society indicates a move away from depending only on big players such as OpenAI or Google, towards AI networks controlled by communities.
“Three-quarters of Americans agree that the transformative power of AI would benefit more people if it wasn’t consolidated in the hands of a few major players,” said Senior Vice President of Policy at Digital Currency Group (DCG), Julie Stitzel.
A New Approach
Decentralized AI uses blockchain technology to create open networks that anyone can participate in and benefit from. Unlike centralized systems where very few companies possess and retain technology, data, and decision-making power.
In its survey, 88% of Americans want more control over how AI uses their data, and many would feel more comfortable using AI if they could own or approve that data. Over 70% believe decentralized AI infrastructure offers better personal data security than centralized systems.
“Decentralization is no longer a fringe idea – it’s a framework for building AI that reflects public values and a chance to avoid repeating the failures of the last tech era,” said Tony Douglas, Co-Founder of the Decentralized Research Center said in a statement.
AI Decentralization’s Future
There’s broad optimism about decentralized AI, but people are still cautious when it comes to who should control it.
The survey found that 65% of Americans don’t trust politicians to manage AI, 46% distrust large tech firms, and half believe Big Tech holds too much influence over government policy on AI.
However, 72% said they would be more motivated to use AI compute decentralization platform solutions. The public wants open, equitable AI systems that give them a genuine stake in how AI works.
“This growing public readiness to embrace decentralized AI is a signal that the future of intelligence can and should be more inclusive, resilient and fair,” said Evan Malanga, Chief Revenue Officer at Yuma, a DCG subsidiary that supports DeAI startups.
Malanga observed startups like Bittensor, which allows anyone to join and benefit from AI networks without needing permission from Big Biz. As legislators increasingly turn their minds to legislating AI, these conclusions arrive at a convenient time.
People want regulations on AI that lead to innovation but not overregulation that could inhibit progress. Therefore, decentralized AI presents a powerful future that balances user control, transparency, and equity.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.