OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has moved beyond software development to engage in aggressive political maneuvering. The company has reportedly used legal tactics, including subpoenas, against critics and watchdog groups, demanding extensive communications.
The Aggressive Pivot
Founded as a non-profit, OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model coincided with a shift to aggressive political strategies. This pivot appears driven by a desire to protect its massive valuation from regulatory scrutiny and internal dissent.
The hiring of political strategist Chris Lehane signals this change. Under this new direction, regulatory oversight is framed as an existential threat rather than a safety necessity. Concerns raised by critics or former employees about safety and company restructuring have been met with legal pressure.
In a stark example, OpenAI reportedly issued document demands to the parents of a teenager who died by suicide after interacting with a chatbot, as the parents advocated for AI safety regulations. This demonstrates the lengths to which the company will go to counter perceived threats.
The "Shadow" Lobbying Machine
Beyond direct legal actions, the AI industry employs a network of ostensibly independent groups, such as the Chamber of Progress and American Innovators Network. These organizations, funded by major tech players, function as industry advocates.
When California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan introduced the LEAD for Kids Act to protect children from harmful AI content, these groups launched a significant lobbying campaign. The effort sought to portray the bill as anti-competitive.
Despite passing the legislature, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill, signing a watered-down alternative. This outcome is widely seen as a victory for the tech lobby, highlighting the effectiveness of their influence.
The Super PAC Era
When lobbying efforts fall short, the AI industry is prepared to influence elections directly. Following the crypto industry's playbook, AI investors are establishing substantial war chests to fund Super PACs.
These new Super PACs, backed by entities like Meta and Andreessen Horowitz, are injecting significant funds into political races. Their objective is to elect supportive candidates and to penalize those who oppose their agenda.
New York Assemblymember Alex Bores experienced this firsthand. After proposing the RAISE Act to establish safety standards for large AI models, he faced a barrage of attack ads. These ads, funded by industry groups, falsely characterized his safety-focused bill as detrimental to innovation and jobs.
As Bores noted, the substantial spending sends a clear message: challenging AI industry interests invites a formidable financial opposition.
The Federal Strategy: Preemption
The ultimate aim of this extensive political spending is to establish a single, favorable federal regulatory standard. While figures like Sam Altman advocate for regulation before Congress, industry lobbyists work to ensure federal laws preempt stricter state-level protections. This approach to AI regulation lobbying aims to create a predictable environment for growth.
The industry argues that a fragmented landscape of state laws hinders innovation. Critics, however, contend that federal preemption is sought because a single federal law is easier to influence and weaken than navigating numerous state-specific regulations.
The Stakes for Democracy
The AI industry promotes a narrative that stringent regulation jeopardizes American technological dominance against global competitors. However, a more fundamental motive appears to be profit and control.
Public opinion consistently favors AI safety rules, with polls indicating widespread support for regulations. Yet, the industry's substantial financial influence creates a widening gap between public will and legislative action.
The experiences of critics like Tyler Johnston and lawmakers such as Alex Bores underscore a critical challenge: whether democratic governance can effectively regulate powerful new technologies, or if the interests of a few dominant companies will dictate the future.
