AI executives and companies are investing heavily in the 2026 midterm elections, with two major PACs spending at least $44 million on candidates to influence AI legislation. The industry aims to shape the first national regulations for AI use, drawing parallels to the crypto industry's influence in past elections.
Big Tech's push for federal AI preemption legislation is complicated by a child safety bill (KOSA). Reports suggest the White House may back Sen. Blackburn's version, bypassing House Republicans and sparking confusion among stakeholders about which child safety provisions will be included.
China is advancing AI legislation and strengthening safety governance to ensure its development is beneficial, safe, and fair. The country is also promoting the "AI+" initiative, establishing application bases, and encouraging state-owned enterprises to open high-value scenarios to accelerate AI integration across industries.
Overnight, EU lawmakers agreed to water down their AI legislation that was world-leading when it launched in 2024.
