Canadians are calling for heavy regulation on AI use and technology, but most of those asked doubt that any government can keep up with the rapidly evolving technology.

A new survey from the Angus Reid Institute finds that two thirds (68 per cent) of Canadians asked are adamant that government must heavily regulate AI and tech companies, even if it slows development.

Only one in six (or 16 percent) disagree and believe that tech companies should be left to self-regulate.

Angus Reid says with the use of the rapidly evolving technology broadening, many Canadians are skeptical of government’s ability to both regulate and successfully use AI.

Three-quarters (74 per cent) of those asked say no government is equipped to regulate AI quickly enough to keep pace with the technology, while just 14 per cent have faith that it can be done.

Meanwhile, 70 per cent those asked say Ottawa should be cautious about adopting AI because of the risk of unintended consequences rather than actively investing in it to streamline public services and operations.

According to the survey, Canadians are also wary of the physical infrastructure required to power the AI boom with nearly half of respondents (46 per cent) indicating that the country needs domestic AI infrastructure to keep digital services under Canadian control.

Sixty-eight percent would oppose a large AI data centre within a few blocks of where they live.