Observed Signal · Jan 23, 2019 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Facebook and Google Hit Records with US Lobbying Spend
Google and Facebook increased their lobbying expenditures in the United States for 2018, according to Reuters citing congressional reports. Google spent about $21.2 million, a new record well above the previous peak of $18.22 million set in 2012. Facebook also posted a record, spending $12.62 million, up from $11.51 million the year before. Apple and Microsoft each allocated substantial sums as well: Apple $6.62 million and Microsoft $9.52 million, though neither matched their own prior highs. Combined, these four tech giants committed over $33 million to lobbying in the U.S. The funds are described as aiming to influence regulatory actions that could affect their market power, or to pre-empt restrictive measures. The article underscores heightened regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech and frames lobbying as part of a broader strategy to shape policy. The topic sits at the intersection of technology, policy, and public governance in the adtech/tech landscape.
Regulatory and policy implications for the AdTech/Tech ecosystem; record lobbying sums by Google and Facebook in 2018.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google spent $21.2M on US lobbying in 2018, a new record (2012 peak was $18.22M).
- Facebook spent $12.62M on US lobbying in 2018, up from $11.51M in 2017.
- Apple spent $6.62M and Microsoft spent $9.52M on lobbying in 2018, neither beating their own prior highs.
- Total lobbying by Google, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft exceeded $33M in 2018.
- Reuters cited congressional reports as the source for the figures.
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