ByteDance / TikTok AI Lobbying: How Much They Spend and What They Want
Quarterly Federal Lobbying Breakdown
| Year | Quarter | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Q1 | $1.0M |
| 2024 | Q2 | $1.1M |
| 2024 | Q3 | $1.1M |
| 2024 | Q4 | $1.1M |
| 2025 | Q1 | $1.2M |
| 2025 | Q2 | $1.3M |
| 2025 | Q3 | $1.3M |
| 2025 | Q4 | $1.4M |
| 2026 | Q1 | $1.4M |
Key Bills Lobbied On
- 1Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (TikTok ban)
- 2RESTRICT Act (foreign technology threats)
- 3H.R. 6580 (AI Transparency Act)
- 4S. 3312 (Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act)
- 5COPPA 2.0 (Children's Online Privacy Protection)
Public Position on AI Regulation
Emphasizes transparency about AI algorithms and content moderation practices. Advocates against a TikTok ban, arguing it would violate First Amendment rights and harm small businesses. Supports data localization and has invested in Project Texas to store US user data domestically. Favors algorithm transparency over divestiture mandates.
Key Lobbyists
Campaign Contributions
Total: $26K across 4 recipients
Focus Areas
Notable Actions
- →Invested $1.5 billion in Project Texas to migrate US user data to Oracle-hosted infrastructure
- →Challenged TikTok ban legislation in federal court on First Amendment grounds
- →One of the highest lobbying spenders among tech companies relative to US revenue
- →Opened transparency center allowing US regulators to inspect recommendation algorithms
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has ByteDance / TikTok spent on AI lobbying?
ByteDance / TikTok has spent a total of $5.0M on federal AI lobbying. The most recent quarterly filing was for $1.4M in Q1 2026.
What AI bills has ByteDance / TikTok lobbied on?
ByteDance / TikTok has lobbied on 5 AI-related bills, including Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (TikTok ban), RESTRICT Act (foreign technology threats), H.R. 6580 (AI Transparency Act), and more.
What is ByteDance / TikTok's position on AI regulation?
Emphasizes transparency about AI algorithms and content moderation practices. Advocates against a TikTok ban, arguing it would violate First Amendment rights and harm small businesses. Supports data localization and has invested in Project Texas to store US user data domestically. Favors algorithm transparency over divestiture mandates.
Who are ByteDance / TikTok's key AI lobbyists?
ByteDance / TikTok employs 4 known lobbying firms and individuals for AI policy, including Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Subject Matter, Invariant LLC, among others.
How does ByteDance / TikTok's lobbying compare to other AI companies?
ByteDance / TikTok has an influence score of 8/100, with a total political footprint of $5.0M across lobbying, PAC spending, and campaign contributions.