Meta's Massive Election Push for AI Agenda
Meta is preparing to spend $65 million this year to boost state politicians who are friendly to the artificial intelligence industry, beginning this week in Texas and Illinois, according to company representatives.
This sum represents the biggest election investment by Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The company was previously cautious about campaign engagements, making small donations out of a corporate political action committee and contributing to presidential inaugurations. It also let executives like Sheryl Sandberg, who was chief operating officer, support candidates in their personal capacities.
Now Meta is betting bigger on politics, driven by concerns over the regulatory threat to the artificial intelligence industry as it aims to beat back legislation in states that it fears could inhibit AI development, company representatives said.
Meta is quietly supporting two new super PACs as it aims to influence the regulatory environment for artificial intelligence.
The company's shift from cautious political engagement to aggressive spending reflects growing anxiety about state-level regulations that could impact AI development. While Meta has historically focused on federal politics, this move into state elections signals a recognition that the most immediate regulatory threats may come from state legislatures.
This investment comes at a time when artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly central to Meta's business strategy, with the company developing AI systems for content moderation, advertising optimization, and new product development. The $65 million commitment dwarfs previous political spending by the tech giant and indicates how seriously Meta views the regulatory landscape for AI.
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