Americans Favor Free Speech Over AI Regulation in Political Messaging, Poll Finds

Voters Prioritize Freedom of Speech Over AI Regulation in Political Messaging

A recent national poll reveals that American voters strongly favor protecting freedom of speech online rather than imposing strict regulations to stop deceptive AI-generated political content. Conducted by Morning Consult for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the survey highlights a public cautious about AI but wary of government overreach that could limit speech and censor political debate.

Key Poll Findings

• 60% of voters believe sharing AI-generated content poses more harm to elections than government regulation of such content.
• When forced to choose, 47% prioritize protecting free speech in politics over stopping deceptive content (37%), regardless of party affiliation.
• 63% agree that protecting freedom of speech should be the government’s main priority in AI-related laws.
• 81% express concern that official rules about AI in election content could be abused to silence criticism of elected officials.
• Over half worry that strict laws criminalizing AI-altered political media would chill political criticism.

The poll also shows voters are split on whether AI should be treated differently from older tools like Photoshop or video editing, with 43% believing AI use in campaigns should be regulated the same as previous technologies.

Public Attitudes Toward AI in Political Ads

• Two-thirds find it unacceptable to use AI to create fake political ads placing candidates at events they never attended.
• 39% disapprove of campaigns using any digital software, including AI, to alter a candidate’s appearance (e.g., reducing wrinkles) in ads, while 29% find it acceptable.
• 42% agree AI helps individuals exercise their right to free speech.

Implications for Government and Policy Makers

The poll's findings send a clear message to lawmakers: voters value freedom of expression highly and are skeptical of regulations that might limit political speech under the guise of controlling AI-generated misinformation. There is significant concern that government intervention could suppress legitimate criticism and political discourse.

Experts warn that increasing government authority over AI content risks infringing on First Amendment rights. Instead, encouraging free expression remains the best approach to combat misinformation, as truthful ideas tend to prevail in open debate.

For government professionals involved in policy or regulation, understanding this balance between managing AI's impact and protecting constitutional rights is crucial. Crafting laws that respect free speech while addressing genuine harms requires careful consideration and public input.

About the Poll

The survey was conducted from May 13-15, 2025, through 2,005 online interviews with registered US voters. The margin of error is ±2 percentage points.

About the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)

FIRE is a nonpartisan nonprofit defending the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought. The organization promotes awareness and respect for these essential liberties and works to preserve them.

For those interested in learning more about how AI intersects with freedom of expression and other government-related topics, exploring courses on AI tools and ethics can provide valuable insights. Resources such as Complete AI Training offer relevant educational material tailored for professionals working in government and policy.