Meta Platforms Launches California Super PAC to Back AI-Friendly Candidates

Meta Platforms is launching a California Super PAC to support AI-friendly candidates. The PAC will focus on promoting candidates who support AI and related technologies. Meta Platforms has confirmed the development and stated that the PAC will be independent and not controlled by the company.

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced the establishment of a new political action committee (PAC) in California. The PAC, named Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, aims to support state-level candidates who advocate for lighter regulation of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is part of Meta's broader strategy to promote AI innovation and ensure that California's regulatory environment remains favorable to technological progress.

According to reports from Politico, the PAC will be an independent entity, not directly controlled by Meta. The company plans to invest tens of millions of dollars through this PAC, positioning itself as a significant player in California's political landscape. The PAC will support candidates from both major parties who align with Meta's stance on AI regulation [1][2][3].

The launch of this PAC comes as California's regulatory environment is under scrutiny for its potential impact on AI development. Meta's Vice President of Public Policy, Brian Rice, stated that the current regulatory environment could stifle innovation and hinder AI progress. Rice will lead the PAC alongside fellow policy executive Greg Maurer [3].

The move by Meta is part of a broader trend among tech companies to engage more actively in political advocacy. By backing candidates who support AI innovation, Meta seeks to influence state-level policy decisions that could impact its business operations and the broader tech industry.

Meta's investment in this PAC underscores the company's commitment to shaping the regulatory environment in California. However, it also raises questions about the potential influence of corporate money in politics and the potential for conflicts of interest. As the 2026 governor race approaches, this PAC could play a significant role in determining the state's policy direction on AI and technology regulation.

References:
[1] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/meta-launch-california-super-pac-backing-pro-ai-candidates-politico-reports-5315646
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/meta-to-launch-california-super-pac-backing-proai-candidates-politico-reports-4211345
[3] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4489256-meta-to-set-up-a-california-super-pac-with-focus-on-ai---politico