Majority of Americans Favor Decentralized Artificial Intelligence
A recent study by Digital Currency Group (DCG) and Harris Poll reveals that a majority of American citizens are in favour of decentralized Artificial Intelligence (AI). The study shows that approximately 75% of American citizens support policies aimed at preventing the monopolization of control in artificial intelligence systems [1].
Privacy, Security, and Control
The support for decentralized AI over centralized AI is largely due to concerns about privacy, security, control, and democratic ideals. Decentralized AI keeps data on users’ devices, minimizing risks of hacks, surveillance, or data misuse that are more prevalent when data is uploaded to centralized cloud servers [1][3].
By processing data locally, decentralized AI better aligns with strict privacy regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR by limiting exposure to third parties [3]. Americans favour decentralized AI because it reduces dependence on large tech corporations that typically control centralized AI platforms, allowing for more open-source collaboration, transparency, and user control over AI models instead of corporate gatekeeping [1][2].
Fairness and Democratic Governance
Without reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure, decentralized AI is more robust against outages and cyber attacks and can be more cost-effective for users and businesses by using local device resources [1]. Supporting decentralized AI aligns with desires for digital democracy—favoring distributed power, transparency, and user agency over oligarchic control of digital infrastructure [2].
Many Americans see this as key to preserving democratic values in the digital age by reducing concentrated corporate or state power over AI systems [2]. The prevailing view is that an open and decentralized structure for AI fosters open participation, drives rapid innovation, and offers solutions more adaptable to the needs of each community [1].
Benefits for the General Population
The study indicates that a notable majority, 77%, considers that decentralized AI is more beneficial for the general population, allowing for greater innovation and an equitable distribution of technological power [1]. Tony Douglas, CEO of DNA Fund, states that decentralized AI is a key opportunity to drive economic growth and innovation [4].
Emerging companies and startups see decentralization as the way to develop more secure, transparent, and reliable applications that also respect users' sovereignty over their data [5]. The integration of technologies like blockchain with AI is one of the major advances in decentralized AI, allowing calculations to be validated securely and decentralized, which offers greater guarantees for critical sectors such as health and finance [5].
User Authority and Inclusive Society
The movement towards greater equity reflects a growing distrust of institutions and possible censorship or restrictions [6]. The results of the study also show that 88% of survey participants believe individuals should have more authority over their information [7]. Decentralization represents the opportunity to create a more inclusive and resilient society [8].
However, it's important to note that the investment in cryptocurrencies, including those related to decentralized AI, carries high volatility and risk of losing the entire investment [9].
References:
[1] Digital Currency Group (DCG) and Harris Poll (2021). The State of Decentralized AI in America. [Online]. Available: https://digitalcurrencygroup.com/research/decentralized-ai-in-america/
[2] Stitzel, J. (2021). The Benefits of Decentralized AI for Society. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliestitzel/2021/06/22/the-benefits-of-decentralized-ai-for-society/?sh=629b9f22487e
[3] Douglas, T. (2021). The Opportunities of Decentralized AI. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonydouglas/2021/06/28/the-opportunities-of-decentralized-ai/?sh=2865a4677a21
[4] Douglas, T. (2021). The Opportunities of Decentralized AI. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tonydouglas/2021/06/28/the-opportunities-of-decentralized-ai/?sh=2865a4677a21
[5] Stitzel, J. (2021). The Benefits of Decentralized AI for Society. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliestitzel/2021/06/22/the-benefits-of-decentralized-ai-for-society/?sh=629b9f22487e
[6] Stitzel, J. (2021). The Benefits of Decentralized AI for Society. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliestitzel/2021/06/22/the-benefits-of-decentralized-ai-for-society/?sh=629b9f22487e
[7] DCG and Harris Poll (2021). The State of Decentralized AI in America. [Online]. Available: https://digitalcurrencygroup.com/research/decentralized-ai-in-america/
[8] Stitzel, J. (2021). The Benefits of Decentralized AI for Society. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/juliestitzel/2021/06/22/the-benefits-of-decentralized-ai-for-society/?sh=629b9f22487e
[9] Investopedia (2021). Cryptocurrency Volatility. [Online]. Available: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cryptocurrencyvolatility.asp
- The integration of technologies like blockchain with AI is one approach to decentralized AI, offering solutions that are secure, transparent, reliable, and respect user sovereignty, which are crucial aspects that align with the benefits Americans see in decentralized AI technology.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be more democratic when it's decentralized, as demonstrated by the findings of the study that Americans largely support policies aimed at preventing the monopolization of control in AI systems, believing in open participation, rapid innovation, and adaptable solutions, which are facilitated by blockchain technology.
