Research shows broad support for government to play a role in regulating AI as CTA releases an updated National AI Policy Framework

ARLINGTON, VA — September 30, 2026 — Today, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® releases new research, Artificial Intelligence: Consumer Sentiments 2026, showing Americans continue to embrace AI tools supporting everyday convenience, despite concerns around AI development.

As more Americans use AI, a greater number report positive personal experiences with the technology. After a sharp drop in CTA’s 2023 AI Consumer Sentiment Study, positive sentiment has rebounded by 13 points, with 34% of consumers reporting mostly positive sentiment around AI and an additional 53% reporting mixed sentiment.

Large majorities report a willingness to let AI assist with or complete tasks related to researching a topic or problem (92%), comparing specific products (89%), monitoring information and alerts (89%), reviewing medical test results (82%), and ordering groceries and other household items (76%).

While use is growing, many Americans still have concerns around AI systems, with just over half of consumers citing data privacy and AI tools used for disinformation as areas of worry. Smaller numbers report concern around AI related job loss and safety of AI technologies. The number of respondents expressing concern declined in every category surveyed relative to 2023.

Alongside the consumer sentiment data, CTA is releasing an updated National AI Policy and Regulatory Framework, which builds on CTA’s longstanding advocacy for a preemptive federal approach to AI regulation. The framework outlines a risk-based approach to federal AI governance that establishes appropriate guardrails while ensuring that AI systems are safe, trustworthy, effective and ethical.

“AI is making people’s lives better and delivering advances in accessibility, education, health care, mobility and more,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, CEO and President, Consumer Technology Association. “At the same time, to realize the transformative benefits AI innovations make possible, consumers must have confidence that the AI systems they’re using are safe, trustworthy and transparent. CTA’s AI policy framework encourages an approach to AI that would support consumer AI use and address broader concerns around frontier AI development.”

The 2026 framework refreshes CTA’s 2023 AI policy framework with updated guidance, calling for lawmakers and regulators to leverage existing laws where possible, keep regulation technology neutral, focus on high-risk AI systems and use cases and acknowledge existing frameworks like the National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework.

• AI is already here. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. consumers say AI already affects their daily life or will within the next year, and 76% expect a meaningful impact within three years.

• Consumers support technology that makes their lives easier. Positive experiences outweigh negative experiences by more than 2 to 1, led by AI making tasks easier and more convenient (55%) and solving problems they couldn’t otherwise (51%).

• Consumers are most open to AI in use in areas of convenience. This includes fitness and nutrition advice (69%), shopping recommendations (68%) and home cleaning (59%). Openness to AI remains low for sensitive or personal interactions, with just under a third of consumers saying they would rely on AI for childcare (26%), flying a plane (26%), surgery (30%) or hiring/firing decisions (30%). 

• The U.S. government must lead on AI innovation and regulation. 65% of consumers say it is important for the federal government to play a role in regulating AI. 61% say the U.S. must lead the world on AI policy and 60% say the U.S. must lead AI innovation.

For the full analysis, check out CTA’s 2026 Consumer Sentiment Study here. Learn more about CTA’s AI advocacy, research and standards at CTA.tech.

About the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 17 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.