Anthropic Pledges $20 Million to Candidates Who Favor AI Safety
In a significant move to influence the political landscape surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), Anthropic PBC has announced a donation of $20 million to the political advocacy group Public First. This group supports congressional candidates who prioritize AI safety regulations, reinforcing Anthropic’s commitment to promoting responsible AI as the tech industry increasingly invests in political races across the United States.
Countering Industry-Friendly Regulations
The donation aims to bolster the efforts of AI safety advocates against the Leading the Future super PAC, which is backed by billionaires and plans to expend $125 million this year to fill Congress with members who favor lighter regulation of AI technologies. In a blog post, Anthropic emphasized the need for flexible regulation that balances the benefits of AI with its associated risks, stating, “We don’t want to sit on the sidelines while these policies are developed.”
Commitment to Governance
Anthropic’s contribution is framed as part of its broader commitment to governance that harnesses AI’s transformative potential while managing its risks effectively. The company distinguishes itself from competitors like OpenAI, which has actively campaigned against stringent state-level safety regulations, arguing that they could stifle innovation and diminish America’s competitive edge against nations like China.
The Role of Public First Action
Public First Action, the political organization receiving the funds, is dedicated to supporting candidates who advocate for AI regulations that serve the public interest. Recently, the group launched an advertising campaign to back Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor of Tennessee. Another affiliated PAC, Defending Our Values PAC, will promote Nebraska Senator Pete Ricketts in his reelection bid. The ads for Blackburn will highlight her efforts in advancing children’s online safety legislation, while Ricketts’ campaign will focus on his support for limiting AI chip exports to foreign adversaries like China.
Financial Transparency and Competition
While Public First Action has yet to disclose the total amount it has raised aside from Anthropic’s $20 million contribution, it is clear that the stakes are high. As pro-AI super PACs like Leading the Future mobilize their resources, Anthropic’s pledge represents a counterbalance aimed at fostering a safer AI landscape.
Leading the Future, which boasts a war chest of $70 million and additional commitments, is actively working to support candidates who align with its vision of industry-friendly regulations while opposing those who advocate for greater government oversight. Recently, the PAC announced plans to invest significant sums in various races, including a half a million dollars to support a Republican candidate in North Carolina and substantial investments in Illinois to back two Democratic candidates.
Conclusion
As the political battle over AI regulations intensifies, Anthropic’s substantial financial commitment signals a strategic effort to shape the future of AI governance. This move underscores the urgent need for a balanced dialogue about the implications of AI technology amidst a rapidly evolving political landscape.
