Signal

New York State Assemblyman Alex Bores launches Who Decides, a nonprofit that raised $10M and aims to raise another $20M in 2027 to shape Democratic AI policy

First reported by NYT ·

The signal ●●●○ Compiled by AI from NYT, Techmeme, Bloomberg and Politico
Why you might care

Donors to Democratic campaigns now have a new avenue to influence AI policy, potentially redirecting funding from traditional PACs.

What happened

New York State Assemblyman Alex Bores has launched "Who Decides," a new nonprofit organization focused on shaping artificial intelligence policy within the Democratic party. The organization has already secured $10 million in funding and plans to raise an additional $20 million by 2027. Bores, who previously ran for Congress and centered his campaign on AI regulation, aims to establish a significant voice in the national conversation surrounding AI governance and its implications for society. The nonprofit's stated goal is to influence policy discussions and ensure a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to AI development and deployment among Democratic lawmakers and stakeholders.

What it means

Bores' initiative signals a growing recognition among political actors of AI's potential to become a defining issue in future elections and policy debates. By establishing a dedicated nonprofit, Bores aims to consolidate resources and expertise to provide a unified perspective on AI, which could influence how Democratic candidates and elected officials approach AI regulation, ethical considerations, and economic impacts. This move indicates a strategic effort to build a powerful advocacy group that can shape the narrative and legislative agenda around AI within a major political party, potentially impacting federal and state-level AI policies.

The substantial initial funding and ambitious fundraising goals suggest a long-term commitment to influencing AI policy, aiming to create a lasting impact on technological governance. This could foster a more coherent and proactive approach to AI within the Democratic party, contrasting with potentially fragmented or reactive policy efforts. As AI continues its rapid advancement, organizations like "Who Decides" are poised to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technological innovation and public policy, ensuring that legislative frameworks keep pace with the evolving AI landscape.

AI-written summary. May contain errors.