Politico · policy· 7 minTom Steyer’s anti-tech crusade has a potential hiccup: his brother
Tom Steyer, a billionaire and former hedge fund manager, is a prominent critic of Silicon Valley as he campaigns for governor of California. He advocates for a tax on the ultra-rich and has pledged to impose a separate tax on artificial intelligence. His stance positions him as a key figure in shaping California's approach to tech regulation and corporate power, especially in a post-Gavin Newsom landscape. However, concerns arise regarding his governance due to his close ties with his brother, Jim Steyer, who leads Common Sense Media, a nonprofit focused on online safety for children.
While Tom Steyer maintains that his brother will not influence his decision-making, industry watchdogs worry that Jim's connections to tech giants and his organization's partnerships with them could complicate policy discussions. Common Sense Media has been involved in advocating for youth online safety and has established partnerships with major tech companies, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics fear that Jim's influence could overshadow the voices of privacy advocates who may oppose tech industry practices.
Despite these concerns, Tom Steyer has received endorsements and is trying to rally support from various factions within the Democratic Party. He faces stiff competition from other candidates, including Xavier Becerra, and is currently trailing in polls. The outcome of the gubernatorial race could significantly impact how California regulates AI and tech, which has global implications.
Tom Steyer's campaign is self-funded, and he has faced scrutiny over his past investments, including in prisons and fossil fuels, which he now regrets. His relationship with Jim Steyer, who has a history of leveraging his connections in tech policy discussions, adds another layer of complexity to his campaign. As the primary approaches, both brothers' roles in the tech landscape will be closely examined, particularly regarding how they navigate their intertwined professional and personal lives.
Storyflo Daily · policy· 3 min