AMD's AI Traction Boosts Stock, Meta Launches Super PAC for AI-Friendly Candidates

Meta is launching a super PAC to support AI-focused candidates in California. AMD was upgraded to Buy from Hold with a price target of $213, up from $173, due to AI traction. Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun are suing AI company Perplexity for copyright infringement, and Alphabet introduced new features to Google Translate using Gemini models for live conversations and language learning.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the formation of a new super PAC, Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, aimed at backing state-level candidates who advocate for a light-touch approach to AI regulation. The move comes as California emerges as a key battleground for tech regulation, with Meta investing tens of millions of dollars to influence state politics [1].

The super PAC, which will support candidates from both parties, is set to be one of the state's top political spenders ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race. Meta's political involvement mirrors strategies employed by other tech giants like Uber and Airbnb, which have used multimillion-dollar campaigns to build influence in Sacramento [1].

In addition to its political spending, Meta has been actively lobbying against stringent AI regulations in California. The company spent over $518,000 on state lobbying this spring to water down bills like SB 53, which would hold AI developers to safety and transparency standards [1]. Meta has also contributed to various down-ballot candidates, including Assemblymember James Gallagher and state Sen. Anna Caballero [1].

Meanwhile, AMD has seen a significant upgrade in its stock valuation, moving from a Hold to a Buy recommendation by Truist analysts. The upgrade is largely attributed to improving sentiment around AMD's data center and AI positioning, with hyperscale customers increasingly viewing AMD as a potential partner rather than just a price check against Nvidia [3]. AMD's share in the data center GPU market is expected to grow from its current near 10% to a structural 10% over time [3].

In a separate development, Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun have filed lawsuits against AI company Perplexity, accusing it of copyright infringement and spreading misinformation. The publishers claim that Perplexity's search engine service uses their copyrighted articles without permission, damaging the credibility of their publications [4].

Lastly, Alphabet has introduced new features to Google Translate using Gemini models, enhancing live conversations and language learning capabilities [4].

References:
[1] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/26/exclusive-meta-to-launch-california-super-pac-focused-on-ai-00524989
[2] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/meta-launch-california-super-pac-backing-pro-ai-candidates-politico-reports-5315646
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/truist-upgrades-amd-buy-sees-110926307.html
[4] https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15987899