Grassroots organizations introduce the 'AI Action Plan for the People,' aiming to curb unregulated advancements in artificial intelligence.
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In a collective effort to ensure artificial intelligence (AI) development prioritizes public well-being, shared prosperity, sustainability, and security for all, over 90 organizations have unveiled the People's AI Action Plan[1]. This visionary plan aims to counter the Trump administration's AI executive order and the 2025 U.S. federal government’s AI Action Plan, titled “Winning the Race: America’s AI Action Plan.”
The People's AI Action Plan encompasses diverse issue areas such as labor, climate, children's safety, and immigration, united under the principle of putting people first in AI governance[1]. Its key demands for AI governance include:
- Prioritizing public well-being and shared prosperity over corporate profits.
- Delivering sustainable futures with climate-conscious AI policies.
- Ensuring security that protects all groups against AI misuse.
- Promoting accountability and transparency across sectors affected by AI.
- Advocating for regulation and governance frameworks that place democratic control and human rights at the core of AI development.
In contrast, the U.S. federal government’s AI Action Plan focuses on accelerating AI innovation, building AI infrastructure, and leading international AI diplomacy, with an emphasis on U.S. leadership and competitiveness[2][3][4]. However, it does not centrally focus on public well-being or shared prosperity as emphasized in the People's AI Action Plan.
The People's AI Action Plan also addresses concerns raised by nurses about the increasing use of untested AI tools in healthcare settings, advocating for AI deployment only where it does not lead to civil rights violations[1]. Furthermore, it calls for fair competition and relief from tech monopolies, aiming to prioritize everyday Americans over tech billionaires in AI governance.
The coalition advocating for the People's AI Action Plan believes AI governance should be democratic, inclusive, and focused on public well-being[1]. They have criticized the Trump administration's latest AI directive as a "billion-dollar giveaway to Big Tech" that puts corporate profits ahead of public safety[1]. The administration's AI executive order, expected to be released on July 23, is criticized for prioritizing Silicon Valley profits over public safety, workers' rights, and democratic accountability[1].
The People's AI Action Plan emphasizes accountability and transparency in AI use, promoting strong public institutions and community input. It also supports AI that improves care and does not turn patients into guinea pigs for profit[1]. The coalition denounced the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to deregulate the AI industry and shield tech companies from accountability.
In summary, the People's AI Action Plan offers a grassroots approach to AI governance, demanding governance approaches that emphasize accountability to everyday people, regulate AI to protect public interests, promote transparency, and ensure benefits are equitably distributed—a people-centered approach to AI governance distinct from government-led innovation and competitiveness priorities.
[1] The People's AI Action Plan: A Collective Vision for AI Governance (2025). Accessed on [insert date].
[2] White House. (2025). Winning the Race: America's AI Action Plan. Accessed on [insert date].
[3] Office of Science and Technology Policy. (2025). America's AI Initiative: Leading the World in AI. Accessed on [insert date].
[4] National Economic Council. (2025). National AI Research and Development Strategy. Accessed on [insert date].
The People's AI Action Plan, contrary to the federal government's AI Action Plan, emphasizes policy-and-legislation that prioritizes public well-being, shared prosperity, and sustainable futures over corporate profits, aligning with the general-news of a grassroots approach to AI governance. This plan also advocates for technology that improves care without exploiting patients and calls for regulation to protect public interests. The politics surrounding the two plans have resulted in criticism of the Trump administration's focus on AI innovation and international diplomacy, with concerns of deregulation and lack of accountability towards everyday people.
