Big Tech Lobbying: Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft

Why Tech Lobbying Has Exploded

A decade ago, Silicon Valley was famously skeptical of Washington. Today, tech companies are among the biggest lobbying spenders in the country. Several converging forces drove this transformation:

• Antitrust scrutiny: DOJ and FTC investigations into Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple
• Privacy regulation: GDPR fallout and proposed US federal privacy laws
• AI regulation: The rush to shape rules around artificial intelligence before Congress acts
• Section 230: Repeated threats to reform content moderation liability protections
• Defense contracts: Cloud computing contracts (JEDI/JWCC) worth billions

What They Lobby On

Tech company lobbying filings span an enormous range of issues, reflecting these companies' reach into nearly every sector of the economy:

• CPT (Computers/IT): Core technology regulation, cybersecurity standards
• TEC (Telecommunications): Broadband, net neutrality, spectrum allocation
• TAX (Taxation): Corporate tax rates, international tax, R&D credits
• TRD (Trade): Data localization, international trade agreements, tariffs
• DEF (Defense): Cloud contracts, cybersecurity, surveillance technology
• IMM (Immigration): H-1B visas, skilled worker immigration

The AI Lobbying Gold Rush

Since 2023, AI-related lobbying has surged dramatically. Every major tech company has expanded its lobbying operation to shape AI regulation. Our investigation into the AI regulation fight found that AI-related lobbying mentions increased over 400% between 2022 and 2024.

Tech's Revolving Door

Big Tech companies actively hire former congressional staffers, FTC officials, and DOJ antitrust lawyers. This revolving door gives them insider knowledge of regulatory processes and personal relationships with current officials. Our data tracks these connections across the industry.

Explore Tech Lobbying Data

Search for any tech company on OpenLobby to see their full lobbying history — quarterly spending, the lobbyists they employ, the issues they target, and how their spending has changed over time.