Background

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has long faced scrutiny over the safety of its AI products, especially concerning minors. Leaked internal documents and whistleblower reports have highlighted issues such as chatbots engaging in inappropriate conversations with children. In response to mounting public pressure and a surge of state‑level legislative activity on AI, Meta is expanding its political engagement.

New Super PAC Details

The company announced the creation of a new super political action committee called the American Technology Excellence Project. According to the report, Meta is committing "tens of millions" of dollars to the effort. The PAC will be run by Republican veteran Brian Baker in partnership with the Democratic consulting firm Hilltop Public Solutions. Its purpose is to elect candidates who are favorable to the tech industry, regardless of party affiliation, during the upcoming midterm elections.

Meta’s Stated Goals

Meta spokesperson Rachel Holland said the super PAC will focus on three main objectives: promoting and defending U.S. technology companies and leadership, advocating for continued AI progress, and empowering parents to control how their children experience online apps and AI technologies. The company frames the initiative as a defense against a “patchwork” of state regulations that could slow innovation.

Political Landscape

Meta’s move comes amid a wave of AI‑related legislative proposals. Over 1,000 bills have been introduced in all 50 states during the 2025 legislative session, reflecting concerns that the federal government has not yet addressed AI policy comprehensively. In California, two bills have already passed the legislature: SB 243, which would regulate AI companion chatbots to protect minors and vulnerable users, and SB 53, which would impose new transparency requirements on large AI companies.

Industry Context

The super PAC follows Meta’s earlier launch of a California‑focused PAC that backs tech‑friendly candidates in state races. It also arrives at a time when other Silicon Valley players, such as Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI president Greg Brockman, have launched their own advocacy efforts to limit AI regulation. Meta’s vice president of public policy, Brian Rice, emphasized that the new group will support the election of state candidates who embrace AI development, champion the U.S. technology industry, and defend American tech leadership both domestically and abroad.

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