Washington — The artificial intelligence industry has embarked on a significant lobbying effort in recent years, deploying numerous influencers to shape potential government actions. This growth is unsurprising as AI technology is rapidly adopted by powerful sectors such as health care, defense, and financial services, all eager to influence potential regulations.
What is happening?
Lobbyists in Washington are racing to acquire clients interested in AI, reflecting the technology’s growth and Congress’s efforts to determine the best regulatory approach. A study by Open Secrets, a watchdog tracking money in politics, revealed that the number of organizations lobbying on AI surged to 460 in 2023, a 190% increase from 2022, with a slight increase to 462 in 2024. These lobbyists represent top corporations and trade organizations behind the AI boom, including Microsoft, Intuit, and Amazon.
AI companies seek to stifle European-style regulation
The primary goal of these lobbyists is to convince Washington that fears around AI are exaggerated and that the US should not follow the European Union’s lead, which passed pioneering regulations with the Artificial Intelligence Act. “The constant theme is don’t do what the EU has done,” said Rep. Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat focused on AI.
How are they doing it?
AI lobbyists spend considerable time explaining how the technology works. While hosting events and funding campaigns, they focus on educating Congress members, positioning themselves as resources for information on the evolving industry. “On AI, we are pushing on an open door in Congress,” said Craig Albright, a top lobbyist at The Software Alliance.
Where are the think tanks and academia?
Currently, Congress primarily hears from industry-tied lobbyists, as academia and nonprofits struggle to keep up with technological developments. The most advanced work is conducted by for-profit companies with access to the best equipment and researchers. “It’s very hard for academia to counterbalance this massive level of lobbying,” said Max Tegmark, a professor at MIT.
MIT and other institutions have engaged with Congress on AI, hosting lawmakers in Boston and offering briefings in Washington. However, academia faces challenges in accessing computing resources, a significant advantage held by the industry. “We are trying to keep up, but … academia has a big challenge, which is access to computing resources,” said Asu Ozdaglar, head of MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
The Associated Press receives financial assistance from the Omidyar Network to support coverage of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
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