In a remarkable turn of events during the 2025 election season, two pro-Artificial Intelligence (AI) super Political Action Committees (PACs) sprang into existence on the same day in late August. The first super PAC took a traditional route with a high-profile press release, substantial backing from well-known tech industry donors, and a bold promise to infuse over $100 million into campaigns that favor AI-friendly candidates across the nation. It was a textbook display of how the tech industry, particularly Silicon Valley, is increasingly swaying decisions in the corridors of Washington.
Surprisingly, the other super PAC took a very different approach. Meta, the titan of tech formerly known as Facebook, stealthily unveiled a state-centric PAC called Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California. Unlike the national endeavor, this PAC zeroes in on the state of California, its funding supplied solely by Meta. Its agenda? To champion policies and candidates that fall in line with Meta’s AI aspirations — eschewing the need to align with other tech stakeholders.
This political sleight of hand became feasible thanks to the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision. This ruling permitted corporations to spend without a financial ceiling on political advertising, provided there’s no direct coordination with campaigns. This has given birth to Meta’s PAC, opening a way for the company to financially back races that could mold the regulatory measures for AI technologies within California.
What sets Meta’s PAC apart is its unique focus. Having the leeway to function independently, Meta has the liberties to promote a highly specific AI-centric agenda, which may deviate from the wider objectives of the tech industry or the public interest. Detractors argue this could potentially enable Meta to outmaneuver competitors and steer legislative decisions to its advantage, thus fostering its own AI services and platforms.
As AI continues to gain relevance in public policy, these super PACs signify a novel phase in the tech industry’s political engagement. With billions up for grabs and the rules of regulation still evolving, companies like Meta are making audacious strides to shape the future — not merely within experimental labs, but also at the ballot box.
For a deeper dive into this ongoing narrative, check out the comprehensive article at The Verge.
This website uses cookies.