In the politics of the United States, dark money refers to spending to influence elections where the source of the money is not disclosed to voters. In the United States, groups that may spend on campaigns without disclosing who their donors aresome nonprofit organizations. The most common type of dark money group is the 501(c)(4) (often called social welfare organizations). Such organizations can receive unlimited donations from corporations, individuals and unions. Proponents of dark money maintain it is protected under the First Amendment, while critics complain recipients of dark money (as with any contribution) "knows exactly who he owes a favor", but voters are kept in the dark about connections between donor and politician when favors are paid back.Dark money first entered politics