Additional Coverage:
- Meta launches California Super PAC to support pro-AI policy candidates amid regulatory concerns (foxbusiness.com)
Meta Platforms is forming a new political action committee (PAC) to support California candidates who favor AI-friendly policies. The company argues that overly strict regulations could stifle innovation and threaten California’s position as a tech leader.
The new Super PAC, dubbed “Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California,” will back candidates from any party who support AI development and policies that promote the state’s role in the global tech ecosystem. This move aligns Meta with other tech giants like Andreessen Horowitz, Airbnb, and Uber, who are also anticipating increased regulatory scrutiny.
This year alone, California has seen the introduction of over 50 AI-related bills, a potential impediment to AI progress according to Meta. The PAC will support candidates who champion Meta’s tech policy platform, including promoting AI advancement, empowering parents in children’s online safety, and bolstering U.S. tech leadership.
The formation of the PAC comes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, a race of particular significance given that current California Governor Gavin Newsom will be term-limited. While Meta expresses concern about potential over-regulation, Newsom has emphasized his commitment to fostering economic opportunities through AI job training and has declared California a “global AI leader,” advocating for responsible AI development.
Newsom’s office pointed to his actions against AI deepfakes and robocalls as evidence of his balanced approach to AI regulation, emphasizing his focus on responsible technological growth. A study by the California Foundation for Commerce and Education highlighted the tech industry’s substantial contribution to the state’s economy, generating nearly $1 trillion in 2022.