Meta Forms Super PAC to Counter State AI Regulation Efforts
Key Points
- Meta is allocating "tens of millions" to a new super PAC called the American Technology Excellence Project.
- The PAC will be managed by Republican veteran Brian Baker and Democratic firm Hilltop Public Solutions.
- Its mission is to elect tech‑friendly candidates from both parties in upcoming elections.
- Meta says the PAC will promote U.S. tech leadership, advance AI progress, and give parents more control over children’s AI exposure.
- Over 1,000 AI‑related bills have been introduced across all 50 states during the 2025 legislative session.
- California has passed SB 243 to regulate AI chatbots for minors and SB 53 to increase transparency for large AI firms.
- Meta’s spokesperson highlighted concerns about child safety and the need for parental oversight of AI tools.
- The initiative follows Meta’s earlier California‑focused PAC targeting state‑level tech policy.
- Industry peers are also forming advocacy groups to oppose restrictive AI regulations.
Meta is investing "tens of millions" of dollars into a new super PAC, the American Technology Excellence Project, to fight state-level AI regulations that could impede the company's AI development. The PAC, managed by Republican veteran Brian Baker and Democratic firm Hilltop Public Solutions, will back tech‑friendly candidates from both parties in upcoming elections. Meta says the group will promote U.S. tech leadership, advance AI progress, and give parents greater control over children’s exposure to AI tools, amid growing concerns about child safety and a wave of AI‑related bills across the states.
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.