US: Lobbying spending by tech giants set to hit record highs

Lobbying spending by tech giants like Facebook and Amazon is setting records as both companies have spent more in lobbying than aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman as of September 30.

Facebook increased its lobbying expenditures by nearly 25% to US$12.3 million this year, according to an analysis by The Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, Amazon is the number one lobbying spender after increasing its expenditures by 16% to US$12.4 million. Northrop Grumman spent US$11 million as of September 30, according to The Journal.

Apple and Microsoft got in on the trend, boosting lobbying spending by 8% and 9%, respectively.

The tech companies’ attempts to improve their images and find friends in Washington, DC, comes as many lawmakers and even high-profile presidential candidates are using them as a target punching bag on the campaign trail.

Full Content: Wall Street Journal

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