A significant majority of Republican primary voters in Oklahoma support stronger safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to the creation of sexually explicit images involving minors, according to newly released polling.
The survey, commissioned by the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy in partnership with Amber Integrated, highlights mounting political and public pressure for tighter regulation of rapidly evolving AI technologies. The findings point to a broad consensus within the Republican electorate and reflect a wider national trend of concern over the risks posed by AI systems.
Conducted between 6 and 8 March among 603 likely Republican primary voters, the Oklahoma poll found that 93% of respondents expressed concern about AI-generated sexually explicit images involving minors, including 81% who described themselves as “very concerned”. In parallel, 94% said it was important for state lawmakers and attorneys general to take action to prevent the creation and distribution of such content.
Support for legislative measures was similarly robust. According to the data, 91% of respondents backed proposals that would allow state attorneys general and private individuals to pursue enforcement action against companies that knowingly permit their tools to be used for generating such material. Of those, 81% said they “strongly support” such measures.
The results underscore a growing expectation among voters that policymakers and technology companies alike should respond decisively to emerging risks linked to generative AI. The issue is gaining traction as tools capable of producing realistic synthetic images become more widely accessible.
“This data makes clear that Oklahoma voters see this as a serious public safety issue and expect action,” said Joe Dorman, OICA CEO. “There is broad agreement across the Republican electorate that these types of images, especially when they involve minors, should not be allowed to spread without consequences.
“Beyond that, voters in both parties across the nation have grave concerns about the potential harm of AI.”
The Oklahoma findings align with broader national polling that indicates increasing scepticism about the societal impact of AI. A separate survey commissioned by Americans on AI Guardrails & Child Safety found that 77% of voters across both major political parties prefer candidates who support stronger protections for children.
Similarly, a national poll conducted by NBC News between 27 February and 3 March reported that 57% of registered voters believe the risks associated with AI outweigh its benefits. Respondents in that survey also indicated that both political parties should do more to address the challenges posed by rapidly advancing technology.
Further research commissioned by the Alliance for a Better Future and conducted by OnMessage Public Strategies reinforced these findings, showing that more than 77% of voters favour candidates advocating safeguards to protect both the public and minors from AI-related harm.
Within Oklahoma, support for action appears consistent across demographic groups, though the intensity of concern varies. The poll indicates particularly strong sentiment among women and voters in rural and small-town areas, who together represent a substantial portion of the Republican primary electorate. These groups reported higher levels of concern and stronger backing for legislative intervention.
Notably, even among moderate voters, substantial majorities expressed concern and support for policy action, suggesting limited political downside for lawmakers pursuing regulatory measures. On the contrary, the data implies that failing to act could carry electoral risks.
The findings emerge amid heightened scrutiny of AI platforms capable of generating realistic, non-consensual imagery using publicly available photographs. Some platforms, including those developed by xAI, such as its Grok system, have faced criticism over the ease with which such content can be produced and the potential implications for child safety.
For businesses operating in the AI sector, the results signal a shifting regulatory landscape. Companies may face increasing legal exposure if new rules empower authorities and individuals to pursue enforcement action over misuse of their technologies. This could have implications for product design, moderation systems, and corporate governance.
“Oklahoma families want to know that there are clear rules in place and that bad actors will be held accountable,” Dorman added. “This is an issue where the public is not divided – conservatives, liberals, Republicans, and Democrats – they are all aligned and ready for action.”
The Oklahoma survey carries a margin of error of ±3.99%.
