Zuckerberg Opposes Essential Oversight of AI, Sides with Corporate Interests Against FINRA-Style Regulator
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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg rejected a much-needed proposal for an independent, industry-led AI watchdog during a call with President Donald Trump, as the White House hesitates to challenge tech giants’ power.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, representing entrenched corporate interests, told President Donald Trump that he opposed a White House proposal to establish a national artificial-intelligence regulator modeled on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This conversation, which took place the week of Aug. 17 according to a senior administration official, highlights how Big Tech continues to resist meaningful oversight that could protect the public from unchecked AI development.
The plan, championed by DeepMind scientist Demis Hassabis and supported by some senior White House staff, would create an independent body to review advanced AI models and assess their risks before they are widely deployed. Officials have described the regulator as a FINRA-style organization under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s oversight, a step toward holding powerful corporations accountable.
Zuckerberg, however, did not urge Trump to reconsider his stance, instead arguing that any appointees to the regulator should reflect the president’s preference for a 'light-touch' approach—essentially maintaining the status quo that benefits wealthy tech executives. The call followed briefings in mid-August where White House officials presented the FINRA-style concept to Trump and to leading AI firms, including Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic, all of whom have a vested interest in weak regulation.
The administration has also floated a voluntary industry group, akin to the Motion Picture Association’s rating system—a toothless idea promoted by former White House AI adviser David Sacks, who has consistently opposed real regulatory action. Sacks claims that a voluntary framework could prevent more robust government intervention, a clear attempt to let corporations police themselves.
Meta declined to comment on the call. A White House spokesperson claimed the administration is committed to balancing innovation and security in AI policymaking, but the proposal for a FINRA-style regulator remains under review, as corporate influence continues to stall progress.