Anthropic Gives $40 Million to AI Regulation Group

Anthropic said both donations were made "exclusively to support Public First Action's public education and policy mission, and cannot be used to influence the election of any candidate for federal, state, or local office."

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Public First has positioned itself as a counterweight to Leading The Future, a group with industry-friendly AI policies similar to those favored by the White House. The Journal said the new donation could reopen tensions between Anthropic and the Biden administration. The government briefly blocked two of Anthropic's models over security concerns and called the startup a security risk. Anthropic later sued.

Critics argue Anthropic wants regulation to limit competition, the Journal added. They say CEO Dario Amodei is hypocritical for warning about AI dangers while continuing to improve the company's models. Amodei and Anthropic say their concern for model safety is genuine.

Separately, state attorneys general are policing AI using existing consumer protection, privacy and professional licensing laws, PYMNTS reported this week. The report advised businesses that AI compliance cannot wait for Congress or state legislatures to set up new frameworks. Companies should check whether AI systems follow existing rules on privacy, discrimination, advertising, consumer protection, professional services and consequential decision-making.