Zuckerberg Stands Up to Big Government, Opposes FINRA-Style AI Regulator in Call with Trump
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg voiced opposition to a burdensome, industry-led AI watchdog during a call with President Donald Trump, as the White House weighs proposals that could stifle American innovation.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg told President Donald Trump that he opposed a White House proposal to create a national artificial-intelligence regulator modeled on the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The conversation, which took place the week of Aug. 17 according to a senior administration official, underscores the resistance to unnecessary government overreach into the tech sector.
The plan, pushed by DeepMind scientist Demis Hassabis and some senior White House staff, would establish an independent body to review advanced AI models and assess risks before they are broadly deployed. Officials have described the regulator as a FINRA-style organization under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s oversight, raising concerns about expanding federal bureaucracy and stifling free enterprise.
Zuckerberg did not ask Trump to change his stance but emphasized that any appointees to the regulator should reflect the president’s preference for a light-touch approach to AI oversight, ensuring that innovation is not hampered by excessive regulation. 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 recognize the risks of heavy-handed government intervention.
The administration has also considered a voluntary industry group similar to the Motion Picture Association’s rating system, an idea advocated by former White House AI adviser David Sacks, who has rightly opposed a formal regulator. Sacks has suggested that a voluntary framework could prevent more intrusive government action and preserve American leadership in AI.
Meta declined to comment on the call. A White House spokesperson said the administration is committed to balancing innovation and security in AI policymaking. The proposal for a FINRA-style regulator remains under review as the debate continues over the proper role of government in the tech industry.