Lobbying on Artificial Intelligence Reaches Record Levels in 2023
The number of organizations lobbying the federal government on artificial intelligence (AI) has reached an all-time high in 2023. According to OpenSecrets, more than 350 companies, nonprofits, universities, trade groups, and other organizations have reported lobbying on AI issues during the first nine months of the year. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, with the number of groups lobbying on AI doubling in 2023.
Increase in Organizations Lobbying on AI as Legislative Efforts Stall
The increase in lobbying on AI issues comes as legislative efforts to regulate the industry have stalled. Congress introduced 48 distinct bills related to AI in 2023, but none of them have been voted on by either chamber. This lack of progress has prompted organizations to take matters into their own hands and advocate for their interests through lobbying efforts.
Big Tech Giants Invest Billions in AI and Ramp Up Lobbying Efforts
Tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have made significant investments in AI and have ramped up their lobbying efforts. Microsoft invested $10 billion into AI startup OpenAI, while Google and Amazon invested $2 billion and $4 billion respectively into another AI startup called Anthropic. These companies have also spent millions of dollars on lobbying, with the “big five” tech giants collectively spending $55.5 million on lobbying in the first nine months of 2023.
Congress Introduces Dozens of AI Bills as Tech Companies Lobby
While legislative efforts to regulate AI have stalled, Congress has introduced numerous bills on the subject. Microsoft has cast the widest net, lobbying on at least 12 distinct AI bills, while Google, Meta, and Amazon have lobbied on multiple bills as well. These tech companies have not publicly commented on specific legislation but have published recommendations on how they believe AI should be regulated.
Federal Agencies and States Consider Regulations on AI as Executive Order Issued
In addition to Congress, federal agencies and states are also considering regulations on AI. The Department of Health and Human Services has announced rules that will regulate new AI tools in healthcare, while the Federal Election Commission has solicited public comments on deceptive political uses of AI. The U.S. Copyright Office has also conducted a study on generative AI, and states have been introducing their own AI legislation, with about 200 bills introduced in 2023.
Conclusion
As AI technology continues to advance and its impact on society grows, organizations are increasingly turning to lobbying as a means to shape the regulatory landscape. While legislative efforts to regulate AI have been slow, tech giants and other organizations are investing billions of dollars in the industry and ramping up their lobbying efforts. With Congress introducing numerous AI bills and federal agencies and states considering regulations, the future of AI regulation remains uncertain.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The increase in lobbying on AI issues shows growing interest and investment in the industry.
Analyst’s view: The market for AI technology is likely to see continued growth as organizations invest billions in the industry and lobby for their interests. The slow progress in legislative efforts may lead to a regulatory landscape that is shaped more by lobbying efforts and individual company interests. The future of AI regulation remains uncertain, with Congress introducing numerous AI bills and federal agencies and states considering regulations.
