Apple, Google Spend Less Money On Lobbying Efforts In Q2

Washington, DC – Apple and Google cut down on the amount of money they spent for lobbying efforts in Q2, 2012. According to New Congressional lobbying reports Apple threw down $470,000 to woo US Congress representatives in Q2 while Google hunkered down with $3,920,000 spent.

In comparing numbers Google spent $5,030,000 in Q1 while Google had spent an even $500,000 on lobbyist efforts.

The filing shows that Apple representatives were sent to Congress to speak about some pretty specific topics that range from “issues related to the transportation of batteries” to the “Do Not Track Kids Act of 2011.” As expected one of Apple’s biggest concerns was “EPEAT” the recycle ratings program the company exited and then quickly re-entered in early July. Apple helped contribute to the creation of the environmental rating standard which is used by US government agency’s and businesses to determine if a company’s products can be purchased.

While Apple may appear to be spending a lot less money on lobbying efforts the publicly traded company sends many representatives to Washington on a regular basis to discuss patents, taxes, copyrights, privacy controls and education.

Google as expected spent a majority of its money discussing privacy concerns which have plagued the company for years. Google in Q1 came under scrutiny because of its massive spending on lobbyist efforts which includes 11 full-time employees who work as a bridge between Google and Congress.

Google has become so serious about lobbying that in February 2012 the company hired Susan Molinari, a former Republican representative from New York to head up its Washington lobbying operations.

Do you support lobbying efforts on behalf of tech firms as part of the discussion process in Washington?