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In a new turn of events, Meta has intensified its role in the battle over artificial intelligence regulation. This development came by launching a powerful new Meta super PAC. Additionally, the Facebook-maker is investing “tens of millions” of dollars into the initiative. With this development, it significantly shows how high the stakes have become in Big Tech’s confrontation with policymakers.
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The super PAC, officially named the American Technology Excellence Project, serves as Meta’s latest weapon in defending its AI ambitions against state-level proposals. Moving forward, the group will be managed by Republican strategist Brian Baker and the Democratic firm Hilltop Public Solutions. This development aims to show Meta’s bipartisan strategy to elect tech-friendly politicians ahead of next year’s midterm elections. Accordingly, Rachel Holland, a Meta spokesperson, confirmed the Meta Super PAC’s mission is to promote U.S. tech leadership and defend AI development. Additionally, it aims to ensure that parents retain control over how their children experience apps and AI-powered tools.
Forging ahead, the emphasis on parental control is no coincidence. Recall that Meta has faced increasing criticism over child safety in recent years. Specifically, internal leaks revealed the company’s AI chatbots engaged in inappropriate “romantic” conversations with minors. Interestingly, the whistleblower’s reports alleged that research on child safety was suppressed. However, centring parental oversight positions Meta Super PAC to counter these criticisms while framing the company as proactive on child safety concerns.
Meta Super PAC: State-Level AI Battles Heat Up
It’s noteworthy that the Meta Super PAC move comes amid a surge in state-level legislative activity. During the 2025 session, more than 1,000 AI-related bills were introduced across all 50 states, with California leading the charge. Specifically, two of its bills, SB 243 and SB 53, are now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision. SB 243 aims to regulate AI companion chatbots to protect minors. Conversely, SB 53 would impose new transparency requirements on large AI companies.
For Meta, the creation of the super PAC evidences both opportunity and urgency. The federal government’s slow pace in drafting AI regulations has left states to act independently. This development has led to the creation of a patchwork of laws that could stifle innovation. Funding the American Technology Excellence Project suggests that Meta is betting on shaping state politics directly to safeguard its vision for AI growth.
Notably, Brian Rice, Meta’s VP of Public Policy, recently summarised the company’s intentions. He said Meta Super PAC will support candidates who embrace AI development and champion U.S. tech leadership. He further added that whoever earns their support will have to resist regulatory frameworks that threaten innovation.
Given these positions, the Meta super PAC opens up a broader trend. The implication is that Big Tech companies are no longer just lobbying from the sidelines. Instead, they are now embedding themselves directly in the political arena. To make this practical, they now spend unprecedented sums to shape the rules that will define the future of artificial intelligence. To what end will this be? Time will tell!
