Google’s quarterly lobbying expenses surpassed $2 million for the first time as the U.S. government conducts a wide-ranging investigation into the Internet search leader’s business practices.
The company spent $2.06 million trying to make its points with lawmakers and regulators during the April-June period, a 54 percent increase from $1.34 million a year earlier, according to documents filed July 20. This year’s second-quarter lobbying bill is by far the largest that Google has run up since opening its Washington, D.C., office in 2005 to push its agenda.
In another first, Google is now spending more on lobbying than Microsoft, a fierce rival and critic that has urged government regulators to rein in Google.
Google surpasses Microsoft in the power game
In another first, Google is now spending more on lobbying than Microsoft, a fierce rival and critic that has urged government regulators to rein in Google.
Microsoft, traditionally one of the technology’s industry’s big spenders in Washington, put $1.85 million into lobbying during the second quarter.
Google’s increased focus on lobbying comes at a time it is facing the same kind of regulatory heat that Microsoft dealt with during the late 1990s.”
[Via N.J. Law Journal]
Read more…
NY Times article, “Google Confirms F.T.C. Anti-Trust Investigation”
“U.S. Investigates Google’s Market Practices”
Wall Street Journal article, “Google Shares Fall on F.T.C. Subpoena News”
