Meta is also getting into the super PAC game, establishing two different PACs last year to support candidates aligned with their vision for AI regulation.
Unlike the other PACs, Meta’s efforts will focus primarily on the state level.
One PAC, called Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, will focus specifically on the Golden State, where Meta is headquartered.
“As home to many of the world’s leading AI companies, California’s innovation economy has an outsized impact on America’s economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness,” a Meta spokesperson said. “But Sacramento’s regulatory environment could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California’s technology leadership at risk.”
The spokesperson added that the PAC would back candidates in both parties who “recognize California’s vital role in AI development and embrace policies that will keep the state at the forefront of the global tech ecosystem.”
Meta gave $20 million to its California-focused PAC in August, according to documents recently filed with the California Secretary of State.
A separate PAC, the American Technology Excellence Project, will focus on races in other states.
“Amid a growing patchwork of inconsistent regulations that threaten homegrown innovation and investments in AI, state lawmakers are uniquely positioned to ensure that America remains a global technology leader,” Meta VP of Public Policy Brian Rice said in a statement.
That PAC has been seeded with $45 million, according to POLITICO.
Neither PAC has spent significant sums yet.
Read the full article here
