Google and Facebook, along with other companies in Silicon Valley, spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress in the third quarter in response to fears of regulation, according to a report.
According to CNBC, “Google spent $4.17 million lobbying Congress this most recent quarter,” while, “Facebook spent $2.85 million,” and “Twitter spent $120,000.” They were not the only Silicon Valley firms who spent millions lobbying the government.
“Last quarter Google spent $5.93 million lobbying lawmakers, while Facebook and Twitter spent $2.38 million and $120,000 respectively,” they continued, adding that other major technology companies also spent large amounts of money on lobbying, including, “Microsoft ($1.95 million), Amazon ($3.41 million), Oracle ($3.82 million) and Apple ($1.86 million).”
This month, Bloomberg reported that Google, Facebook, and Twitter were “scrambling” to stop government regulation of their companies.
According to Bloomberg, “Google summoned about 200 policy staff from around the world last month for a debate on whether the company’s size has made it too attractive as a target for government regulators,” while “Twitter executives have been in frequent contact with Congressional committees,” and “Facebook has hired two crisis PR firms.”
As previously reported, there has been “an increase in calls for the regulation of technology companies from both Democrats and Republicans, who argue Silicon Valley has become too powerful and monopolistic. Breitbart News Executive Chairman Steve Bannon called for regulation of social media companies earlier this year.”
This month, it was also revealed that British Prime Minister Theresa May is considering further regulation of technology companies, which would classify them as news organizations.
Charlie Nash is a reporter for Breitbart Tech. You can follow him on Twitter @MrNashington and Gab @Nash, or like his page at Facebook.