A populist backlash against AI is taking shape worldwide. In February, hundreds marched past the London headquarters of OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta in one of the largest AI protests to date. An unlikely coalition of MAGA Republicans, democratic socialists, and labor activists signed a Pro-Human AI Declaration in March, arguing AI should serve humanity, not replace it.

The military use of AI became a flash point after OpenAI's Pentagon deal—users uninstalled ChatGPT in droves, and protesters chalked "What are the safeguards?" around OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters. A Texas man allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at CEO Sam Altman's home while carrying an anti-AI diatribe.

Polls reveal widespread anxiety: a Pew survey found half of Americans are concerned about increased AI use, with many believing it will erode creative thinking and meaningful relationships. Another poll showed three-quarters worry AI could threaten humanity. College graduates face tougher job markets, and employers are preemptively laying off workers—Block cut 40% of staff and Atlassian cut 1,600 employees.

The resistance is shaping policy. New York and California imposed safeguards on AI companionship bots. The UK government backed down from allowing AI companies to train on copyrighted content without permission after artist backlash. Communities where data centers are built stalled $98 billion in development, prompting President Trump to secure a pledge from AI executives to cover new power plant costs. People want a voice in how AI transforms their future—and they're creating real obstacles to AI labs' vision.