Meta Launches National Super PAC to Combat AI Regulation Meta is making a major move into the political arena with the launch of a national super political action committee. The new PAC, named the American Technology Excellence Project, is dedicated to fighting what it describes as onerous artificial intelligence regulation at the state level across the United States. According to a report, Meta spokesperson Rachel Holland confirmed the company is investing tens of millions of dollars into the initiative. The primary objective of this super PAC is to influence state elections by supporting candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties who hold a pro-AI development stance. The effort is being led by longtime Republican operative Brian Baker, with support from the Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions. This push comes amid a surge in state-level AI policy proposals. With the federal government showing no current appetite for comprehensive AI regulation and failing to prevent states from creating their own rules, legislative activity has exploded. This year alone has seen over 1,000 state-level policy proposals introduced. Meta has expressed concern that a patchwork of strict state laws could stifle innovation and harm America’s competitive position in the global AI race, particularly against China. In a statement, Meta Vice President of Public Policy Brian Rice emphasized the critical role of state lawmakers. He said state legislators are uniquely positioned to ensure that America remains a global technology leader. Rice stated that this is why Meta is launching an effort to support the election of state candidates who embrace AI development, champion the U.S. technology industry, and defend American tech leadership. Specific details about the PAC’s operations remain unclear. Meta has not disclosed which specific state elections it will target with its substantial funding. It is also unknown how many people the American Technology Excellence Project will employ to carry out its political activities. This national super PAC is not Meta’s first foray into politics this year. It follows the recent launch of a similar PAC focused specifically on California. That state has been particularly active in proposing and passing AI regulations, including a law protecting the digital likenesses of actors and attempted bills aimed at blocking election-related AI deepfakes and preventing AI from causing critical harm. The California PAC signals Meta’s strategy to directly engage in political battles where regulatory threats are most immediate. Meta’s increased political spending aligns with its broader lobbying efforts. The company has consistently been one of the top spenders on lobbying in the tech industry, and this new PAC represents a significant escalation in its campaign to shape the regulatory landscape in its favor. The political environment for AI is complex. While the Trump administration is generally seen as supportive of AI development, it has also taken actions like signing an executive order to ban the use of what it termed woke AI within the federal government. This highlights the unpredictable and often contentious nature of the debate surrounding artificial intelligence, a debate Meta is now spending tens of millions of dollars to influence from the ground up by focusing on state capitols.
