AI, Data Centers, Energy and Kids Online

Data centers turn a corner, driven by AI use, if hyperscalers to bring their own power.

Voters widely support age verification, but keeping parents in control of what content kids see online.

Why it matters: AI went mainstream this fall, and voters’ views are moving with it. A quarter of voters now use AI every day, and the more they use it, the more open they are to data centers. They still want firm rules for AI companies and strong protections for kids online.

THE BIG PICTURE

• AI use jumped. 25% of voters use AI daily, up from 17% in September. Meta’s Muse, launched Sept. 8, passed 10 million U.S. downloads in its first 40 days.
• Data centers turned a corner. Net support for a data center in voters’ own community rose to −20, from −35 in September. A majority (56%) still opposes one.
• Bills are the fight. 55% say data centers are driving up their electricity costs, up from 48% in July.
• Voters want AI companies held responsible. 77% back treating AI like any other consumer product under liability law, and 87% want the most powerful systems safety tested before release.
• Parents first online. 88% back requiring app stores to verify age, and voters prefer company-built teen versions with parental controls over government bans, 69% to 25%.

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