AI Company Anthropic Gives $20 Million to Political Group

Anthropic, a company that makes AI, has given $20 million to a political group. This group, called a Super PAC, helps candidates in elections. Anthropic wants to influence rules about AI. This is happening as they compete with another AI company, OpenAI.
By Newsroom | Technology, Politics |

A significant financial contribution from AI company Anthropic to a Super Political Action Committee (PAC) marks a new phase in the ongoing competition with rival OpenAI. The $20 million donation signals Anthropic's intent to influence the upcoming midterm elections, using political advocacy as a battleground against OpenAI. This move deepens the strategic engagement of AI firms in the political landscape.

Background of the Conflict

The donation highlights a fundamental disagreement between Anthropic and OpenAI regarding the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Anthropic Donates $20 Million to Super PAC Operation to Counter OpenAI - 1

  • Anthropic's Stance: Generally favors politicians who support more regulation for the AI industry.

  • OpenAI's Stance: Has not been permitted to make direct political contributions, previously operating as a traditional nonprofit.

  • Core Disagreement: The central issue is the extent to which powerful AI technology should be subject to safety guardrails and regulatory oversight.

Anthropic's Political Engagement

Anthropic's $20 million donation to the Super PAC, Public First, signifies an escalated political push.

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  • Public First: Described as a "dark-money nonprofit," it is not legally obligated to disclose its donors. This structure allows it to fund political advertising without revealing its financial backers.

  • Aggressive Policy Push: Anthropic has been actively engaged in Washington policy discussions for several years. This Super PAC contribution adds an explicit political component to those efforts.

  • Dueling Super PACs: The situation now features "dueling Super PACs" between the two AI rivals, indicating a direct political confrontation.

Broader Political Landscape

This development occurs within a larger context of significant financial activity in political campaigns and Super PACs, particularly concerning technology sectors.

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  • Election Spending: Millions are being amassed by Super PACs tied to various interests, including AI and cryptocurrency, for the upcoming midterm elections.

  • "Dark Money" Influence: The phenomenon of "dark money" – funds from undisclosed donors – is noted as a significant force in US elections.

  • Other Players: Super PACs associated with figures like Donald Trump remain prominent.

Anthropic's Government Ties

Anthropic has also secured government contracts, including a Pentagon deal for national security AI capabilities, which has drawn scrutiny.

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  • Pentagon Contract: Awarded in July, this contract involves developing AI for national security purposes.

  • White House Support: Anthropic's work aligns with and has been highlighted by the White House's AI Action Plan.

  • Personnel: Key positions within Anthropic's national security policy and beneficial deployments are held by former White House officials, including Tarun Chhabra and Elizabeth Kelly.

Expert Insights and Observations

The involvement of AI companies in political funding raises questions about their influence and the nature of their advocacy.

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"Silicon Valley’s dueling artificial intelligence start-ups now have dueling super PACs."— Theodore Schleifer, Times reporter

"The donation effectively kicks off a new conflict between the rivals, with this year’s midterm elections as the battleground."— PoliticalWire

"Dark money is pouring into U.S. elections."— Anna Massoglia, OpenSecrets

Analysis of Evidence

The provided information points to a deliberate strategy by Anthropic to leverage political influence through financial contributions to a Super PAC. The timing, coinciding with midterm elections and amidst differing regulatory philosophies, suggests a strategic maneuver.

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  • Direct Financial Support: The $20 million donation is concrete evidence of Anthropic's financial commitment to political advocacy.

  • Public First's Role: The operation of Public First as a dark-money nonprofit raises questions about transparency and the source of broader political messaging.

  • Timing of the Donation: The investment appears strategically timed to impact the upcoming midterm elections, suggesting a focus on influencing legislative outcomes related to AI regulation.

  • Divergent Regulatory Views: The reported difference in regulatory preferences between Anthropic and OpenAI provides a clear motive for engaging in the political arena.

Conclusion and Implications

Anthropic's substantial investment in a Super PAC signals a new and direct pathway for AI companies to engage in political campaigning. This move highlights the growing intersection of technology development and political power, particularly concerning the future regulation of artificial intelligence. The use of a dark-money nonprofit complicates transparency efforts and raises questions about the unattributed influence on electoral outcomes.

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The rivalry between Anthropic and OpenAI, now extending into the political sphere, suggests that debates over AI safety and governance will increasingly play out through political channels. Anthropic's strategy appears designed to align political candidates and public opinion with its specific views on AI regulation, while OpenAI's political activities, or lack thereof, remain a subject of observation. The implications for future AI policy and the electoral process are significant, underscoring the need for continued scrutiny of financial flows into politics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Anthropic give money to a political group?
Anthropic gave $20 million to a Super PAC to help influence rules about artificial intelligence and to compete with its rival, OpenAI.
Q: What is a Super PAC?
A Super PAC is a political group that can raise and spend money to help elect or defeat candidates. They can receive large donations.
Q: What is the difference between Anthropic and OpenAI?
Anthropic and OpenAI are both companies that make AI. They have different ideas about how AI should be controlled and if it needs more rules.
Q: What is 'dark money'?
'Dark money' is money given to political groups by donors who do not have to be named. This means we don't know who is giving the money.
Q: Does this affect elections?
Yes, this shows that AI companies are becoming more involved in politics. Their money can help shape who wins elections and what rules are made about AI.