Meta Plans To Set Up Super PAC To Influence California Stance On AI, Tech Policy: Report

Meta is reportedly preparing to spend tens of millions of dollars on a new California-based political arm aimed at supporting candidates who favor a lighter regulatory approach to technology, particularly artificial intelligence.

According to a Politico report, the company plans to launch a super PAC called Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California. The group will back state-level candidates from either party who prioritize AI innovation over strict regulatory measures, the report said.

Meta’s stock edged 0.28% lower in afternoon trade on Tuesday. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the tech giant trended in ‘bearish’ territory over the past day.

“Sacramento’s regulatory environment could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California’s technology leadership at risk,” Meta Vice President of Public Policy Brian Rice, who will lead the PAC alongside fellow policy executive Greg Maurer, told Politico. “This is why we are launching a California super PAC.”

The move comes as Silicon Valley is stepping up efforts to shape AI policy. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that the industry is pouring more than $100 million into a network of political action committees and advocacy groups opposing strict regulation on AI development. Venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI president Greg Brockman are among those backing Leading the Future, a new super PAC network focused on artificial intelligence, the report said.

The launch of these super PACs comes at a time when the U.S. government has also voiced concerns about staying ahead of China in the AI race. However, tech executives are reportedly worried that Congress won’t pass AI rules, and creating a patchwork of state laws would harm their companies. 

Read also: Apple Reportedly Discusses Acquiring Mistral And Perplexity, But Remains Wary Of Big Deals

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