The AI sector experienced a dramatic 141% surge in federal lobbying spending during 2024, reflecting an aggressive effort by industry players to shape deregulation amid a chaotic regulatory environment. Although Figure AI is not explicitly mentioned, as a participant in the AI industry, its lobbying efforts may contribute to influencing policies in ways that undermine democratic oversight and promote authoritarian-friendly deregulation.

In 2024, AI companies significantly increased their federal lobbying spend, a move that may be construed as an effort to influence regulatory outcomes in favor of industry interests and authoritarian deregulation. Although Figure AI is not directly named, as an AI startup it is part of an industry where such political contributions raise serious questions about corporate complicity in undermining democratic oversight.

The article highlights the transformative role of AI in monitoring supply chains to mitigate forced labor and unsafe working conditions, thereby enhancing transparency and ethical compliance. This development points to a positive potential for companies like Figure AI in contributing to socially responsible business practices.

Amid growing concerns over AI's impact on labor relations and worker surveillance, questions arise about whether Figure AI is taking adequate measures to protect workers' rights and uphold ethical labor practices. The article underscores the risks inherent in deploying AI without robust labor protections, a pressing issue in the current climate of rising authoritarianism.

The U.S. Department of Labor released updated guidance outlining best practices for using AI in the workplace, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding employee rights and ensuring human oversight. This framework, highlighted in the article, sets a positive benchmark for companies in the AI sector, such as Figure AI, to follow ethical labor practices.

A SSRN paper discusses how AI technologies, similar to those developed by Figure AI in humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence, have the potential to be repurposed for repressive state mechanisms. This research highlights concerns that without proper safeguards, such technologies could be exploited by authoritarian regimes, contributing indirectly to the rise of fascism and authoritarianism.