Most Americans Oppose New Data Centers

A new poll shows majority opposition to data center construction and widespread concern over the impact of AI on society.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Live Poll

Do you believe the growth of artificial intelligence and its associated infrastructure is good for society?

A recent ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll finds that 66% of Americans oppose the construction of new data centers in the United States. Furthermore, 57% of survey respondents believe that artificial intelligence is currently bad for society.

Why it matters

The findings highlight deep public skepticism toward the infrastructure required to scale AI, alongside significant anxiety regarding the risks posed by rapidly evolving technology. Many Americans remain wary of AI's potential to compromise security and job stability.

The survey of 2,545 U.S. adults indicates that 73% perceive a high risk of AI hacking and 65% fear job elimination. Additionally, 33% of respondents believe there is a high risk that artificial intelligence could lead to human extinction.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who met with tech industry leaders in September 2026.

Ipsos

A global market research and consulting firm that conducted the public opinion survey using its probability-based KnowledgePanel.

The details

The survey also reveals that 72% of Americans oppose building new data centers within their own local communities. Beyond infrastructure concerns, 66% of the public believes the federal government is failing to adequately regulate AI technology.

President Donald Trump met with technology leaders at the White House in September 2026.
The ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll was conducted between October 9 and October 13, 2026.

The Tech Race

This public sentiment reflects the broader societal friction occurring as the industry attempts to rapidly expand AI infrastructure. It signals a growing disconnect between the rapid adoption of large-scale computational power and the concerns of the general population.

The widespread opposition to data center construction could lead to increased local zoning battles and regulatory hurdles for tech companies looking to build near residential areas. For users, this climate may complicate the rollout of new AI-integrated products as companies face mounting pressure to address public safety and economic concerns.

The takeaway

Public opinion suggests that the tech industry has yet to convince a majority of Americans that the benefits of AI infrastructure outweigh the perceived risks. Developers and policymakers will likely face increased scrutiny regarding the placement of data centers and the protection of local interests.