Google Breaks Its Own Record in Lobbying Spending

With election day just around the bend, I thought this article (Google Breaks Its Own Record in Lobbying Spending: Privacy issues top list of concerns for tech companies) was interesting.  Perhaps I shouldn't confess this so publicly but I had never considered that big tech players would shell out to Washington.  Frankly, this isn't really something that I thought about very much.  And somehow, to me, this feels a bit uncomfortable and counter to Google's "do no evil" policy (even if this might be "how things get done").  Although perhaps they see this as how they can do good.

In the 3rd quarter Googled paid out $4.18 million in an effort to influence political decision makers.  This marks a 76% increase vs. 3rd Quarter 2011.  And, in 2012 thus far, Google has spend $13.13 million (and counting) versus $9.6 million in 2011 in total.  So, we're talking about a 37% increase and counting.

Google isn't alone as a tech spender on political lobbying.  Facebook and Microsoft are spenders as well, $2.59 million and $5.71 million respectively through the 3rd quarter of CY 2012.  Both Google and Facebook are increasing their spending while Microsoft has held theirs steady.  Apple, on the other hand, has been pulling back spending with each quarter.

The top issues that these companies are lobbying for are, not surprisingly: data security, cyber security, and copy-right issues.

This feels like a lot of money to spend on political lobying, but I suppose is an essential part of running and expanding business.  It's interesting to note that Google and Facebook (companies that I consider more progressive and at great risk of data security and cyber security issues than, say Apple) are upping the ante, while Apple is pulling back.