A new national survey shows most Americans are ready for artificial intelligence to move out of the hands of tech giants and into more open, decentralized systems. The shift marks a growing public interest in AI models that give users more control over their data and more say in how AI evolves.
The poll, conducted by Digital Currency Group and The Harris Poll, gathered responses from over 2,000 U.S. adults. Across political lines, people said they preferred decentralized AI—or DeAI—as a better path forward for innovation and public good. The results point to a clear message: Americans want alternatives to Big Tech.
DeAI is built on blockchain infrastructure. It works by spreading out how systems operate and who gets access. Supporters say that model allows more transparency, protects personal data, and avoids the closed-off approach of traditional AI platforms.
The biggest surprise came from older Americans. Among Baby Boomers, 57% supported decentralized AI—the highest among any age group. Even though they use AI tools less than younger generations, they were the most likely to see DeAI as safer, more trustworthy, and more beneficial overall.
The more people learn about AI, the more they tend to back decentralization. That trend cut across age and political background. People who had used AI tools before were more likely to say the technology should be governed in an open and shared way—not managed behind closed doors by a few big players.
Even with high hopes for AI’s future—91% said it could fuel breakthroughs in productivity and health—trust remains low in those managing it. Two-thirds of respondents said they don’t believe elected officials can regulate AI properly. Nearly half said they don’t trust Big Tech either.
Half of those surveyed said major tech firms already have too much influence over government decisions about AI. And about 72% said they’d be more willing to use AI tools if there were credible options outside of Big Tech.
Privacy stood out as a key concern. Most people—88%—want more control over how their personal information gets used in AI systems. Nearly three-quarters said they’d feel better using AI if they could benefit from their data, either through ownership, consent, or some kind of compensation.
More than 70% said decentralized systems seem more secure than traditional ones. That may explain why only 39% said they trust tech companies to handle their data responsibly.
Beyond privacy, DeAI also scored higher on other public values. Three out of four said it would support innovation better. About 71% called it safer, and 65% believed it would be less likely to show bias.
These views are already shaping how some policymakers approach AI. The poll came out as DCG hosted a two-day policy event in Washington, where DeAI developers met with lawmakers and briefed the bipartisan Congressional Crypto Caucus.
There’s strong support for national AI rules—68% said they want federal oversight—but most don’t want heavy restrictions. More than half said AI is becoming as essential as the internet, and they want fair access without barriers. Around 71% said new policies should help spread AI’s economic benefits into local communities—not just to platform owners or data brokers.
DeAI might offer a better fit. Its structure avoids centralized servers and lets users play a direct role in the system. Supporters say it’s the kind of model that matches what voters are asking for: more transparency, wider access, and a chance for everyday people to shape the future of AI.
How AI develops next may depend not just on how the tech performs—but on whether the people building and regulating it listen to what the public is now demanding.
Read next: Tech Investor Reid Hoffman Pushes Back on AI 'Friend' Hype as Industry Eyes Emotional Bots
The poll, conducted by Digital Currency Group and The Harris Poll, gathered responses from over 2,000 U.S. adults. Across political lines, people said they preferred decentralized AI—or DeAI—as a better path forward for innovation and public good. The results point to a clear message: Americans want alternatives to Big Tech.
DeAI is built on blockchain infrastructure. It works by spreading out how systems operate and who gets access. Supporters say that model allows more transparency, protects personal data, and avoids the closed-off approach of traditional AI platforms.
The biggest surprise came from older Americans. Among Baby Boomers, 57% supported decentralized AI—the highest among any age group. Even though they use AI tools less than younger generations, they were the most likely to see DeAI as safer, more trustworthy, and more beneficial overall.
The more people learn about AI, the more they tend to back decentralization. That trend cut across age and political background. People who had used AI tools before were more likely to say the technology should be governed in an open and shared way—not managed behind closed doors by a few big players.
Even with high hopes for AI’s future—91% said it could fuel breakthroughs in productivity and health—trust remains low in those managing it. Two-thirds of respondents said they don’t believe elected officials can regulate AI properly. Nearly half said they don’t trust Big Tech either.
Half of those surveyed said major tech firms already have too much influence over government decisions about AI. And about 72% said they’d be more willing to use AI tools if there were credible options outside of Big Tech.
Privacy stood out as a key concern. Most people—88%—want more control over how their personal information gets used in AI systems. Nearly three-quarters said they’d feel better using AI if they could benefit from their data, either through ownership, consent, or some kind of compensation.
More than 70% said decentralized systems seem more secure than traditional ones. That may explain why only 39% said they trust tech companies to handle their data responsibly.
Beyond privacy, DeAI also scored higher on other public values. Three out of four said it would support innovation better. About 71% called it safer, and 65% believed it would be less likely to show bias.
These views are already shaping how some policymakers approach AI. The poll came out as DCG hosted a two-day policy event in Washington, where DeAI developers met with lawmakers and briefed the bipartisan Congressional Crypto Caucus.
There’s strong support for national AI rules—68% said they want federal oversight—but most don’t want heavy restrictions. More than half said AI is becoming as essential as the internet, and they want fair access without barriers. Around 71% said new policies should help spread AI’s economic benefits into local communities—not just to platform owners or data brokers.
DeAI might offer a better fit. Its structure avoids centralized servers and lets users play a direct role in the system. Supporters say it’s the kind of model that matches what voters are asking for: more transparency, wider access, and a chance for everyday people to shape the future of AI.
How AI develops next may depend not just on how the tech performs—but on whether the people building and regulating it listen to what the public is now demanding.
Read next: Tech Investor Reid Hoffman Pushes Back on AI 'Friend' Hype as Industry Eyes Emotional Bots
