DearChatGPT: Describe OpenAI's lobbying strategy

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OpenAI has significantly expanded its federal lobbying activities since launching formal efforts in late 2023. It now employs in-house lobbyists with congressional experience and retains major law firms to engage lawmakers, executive agencies, and key committees. This investment reflects the stakes around legislation that could affect how AI is regulated, how training data is treated under copyright law, and how AI infrastructure is incentivized.

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Regulatory & Legislative Goals

Copyright and training data rules: OpenAI pushes for interpretations (e.g., classification of AI training on copyrighted material as fair use) that would shield its development practices from liability and align with its business model.

Federal AI rules and preemption: OpenAI advocates for federal preemption of state AI laws, arguing that a unified federal framework will prevent a patchwork of state regulations that could hinder innovation.

AI safety & accountability bills: It engages on legislation like the Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act, AI Foundation Model Transparency Act, the Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act, and the NO FAKES Act — bills that touch on transparency, safety, and how AI is governed.

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Beyond direct lobbying, OpenAI figures are involved in electoral influence efforts, most notably through the Leading the Future super PAC network, which has raised tens of millions to support pro-AI candidates and counter critics of rapid AI development. Greg Brockman (OpenAI’s President) is among the backers of this initiative.

This reflects a strategy to help shape the composition of Congress in ways that are sympathetic to its regulatory and industrial priorities — especially ahead of key moments like the 2026 midterms.