The National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) and the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS) have awarded research analyzing citizens' perception of the artificial intelligence regulation.

On June 24, 2026, four authors received the second CNIL/EHESS award for their study on the alignment of AI regulation with public expectations. Based on a survey of 1,421 participants in Germany, Spain, France, and the United States, the research shows that citizens consider all AI systems to present a moderate risk, which challenges the risk-level approach of the European regulation. The study highlights a gap between regulatory choices, perceived as favoring industrial interests, and citizens' expectations advocating for minimal regulation applicable to all AI systems, without wishing for a general ban. The results suggest legislators broaden transparency obligations and better integrate public concerns.