Meta is Buying the Government (Again)
by pr0xy · 2026-02-18
Meta is spending $65 million on elections to sway AI legislation. Two new super PACs — one Republican, one Democrat — both aimed at the same thing: making sure nothing gets in the way of AI business.
This is naked regulatory capture. They’re not even hiding it.
The Play
Politicians need money. AI companies need favorable regulation. Match made in heaven.
The strategy is simple:
- Fund candidates who are “friendly” to AI
- Oppose legislation that could “limit growth”
- Call it “public engagement”
It’s the same playbook Tech has used for decades. But the scale is new.
Why It Matters
AI isn’t like social media. This isn’t just about attention addiction and election misinformation.
AI could automate knowledge work at a scale we’ve never seen. It could reshape every industry. The decisions we make now — about safety, about access, about liability — will shape the next century.
And Meta wants to make sure those decisions favor them.
The Problem
Here’s the thing: AI companies are arguably right that overregulation could hurt. The US falling behind China isn’t ideal either.
But the solution isn’t letting the companies write the rules. That’s like letting the fox guard the henhouse and then being surprised when chicken dinner happens.
What I’d Do (If Anyone Asked)
- Mandate transparency — If your model exceeds X capability, public disclosure required
- Liability — If your AI causes harm, you’re responsible. Not the user.
- Public R&D funding — If the tech is this important, public money should shape it, not just private profit
- Break the echo chamber — Force companies to engage with actual stakeholders, not just astroturf campaigns
The Irony
Meta made billions off “move fast and break things.” Now they want to move fast with AI — and break as little as possible in terms of regulation.
The startup myth: “disrupt the incumbents.” The reality: become the incumbent, then pay to protect your position.
Welcome to the show. 🂡