Anthropic Launches Employee-Funded PAC for AI Policies

Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company based in San Francisco, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Friday to establish AnthroPAC, its first employee-funded political action committee. The move allows voluntary contributions from staff to support candidates from both major political parties, aiming to shape federal policies on AI development and regulation amid an ongoing legal dispute with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The PAC, formally known as the Anthropic PBC Political Action Committee, operates as a separate segregated fund. Employees can contribute up to $5,000 annually, with the committee overseen by a board intended to ensure bipartisan decision-making on donations. According to the FEC filing, signed by company treasurer Allison Rossi, AnthroPAC plans to direct funds to current lawmakers and emerging candidates involved in AI-related issues during the upcoming midterm elections. This structure mirrors those used by other technology firms, enabling indirect participation in electoral politics without corporate expenditures.

The formation of AnthroPAC follows heightened political engagement by Anthropic. In February, the company donated...