A large majority of Germans want a “kill switch” mechanism for AI systems, according to a survey conducted by the IT industry association Bitkom. Ninety-two percent of respondents supported this measure. Furthermore, 85 percent called for stricter regulations placed on particularly powerful AI, and 80 percent viewed AI, if misused, as a danger to humanity.
The fear that Artificial Intelligence could potentially wipe out humanity is particularly prevalent among older age groups. Specifically, two-thirds (61 percent) of individuals aged 65 and older reported experiencing “fundamental anxieties” related to the technology, compared to thirty-four percent among those aged 16 to 29.
However, the data also shows a degree of optimism. Overall, 56 percent of those surveyed saw AI more as an opportunity than as a risk to humanity. This positive outlook also varies significantly by age. While two-thirds (66 percent) of younger adults, aged 16 to 29, feel that AI’s chances outweigh its risks, only about half (49 percent) of those aged 65 and over share that perspective.
This survey was carried out by Bitkom Research during the 41st calendar week of 2026, involving 1,006 people in Germany aged 16 and older.
