Mr. Google Goes to Washington

WASHINGTON — Internet giant Google hasn’t always done things by the book, but a recent decision to join the Washington lobbying world full-force could be a sign that the firm is growing up.

Google, which has been the focus of government attention on fronts ranging from privacy to copyright infringement, has hired several lobbying firms that have ties to Republican leaders like Party Chairman Ken Mehlman, House Speaker Dennis Hastert, and Sen. John McCain.

Last year Google retained the services of the bipartisan lobbying firm Podesta Mattoon. A consultant for that firm, Lauren Maddox, believes that the lobbyists will help Google plead its case on everything from privacy to business practices in China.

Google recently won a mixed victory against the government, when a federal court ordered the firm to turn over 5,000 Internet addresses. However, the court stopped short of ordering Google to disclose 5,000 search queries. While that victory drew praise from privacy advocates, the Electronic Frontier Foundation expressed concerns at the time that a larger problem still loomed because Google still had a stockpile of private data that government regulators could seek access to at a later date.

While some lament the sight of an Internet rebel making establishment inroads, Google sees the move as a chance to lobby for its core values.

"We've staked out an agenda that really is about promoting the open Internet as a revolutionary platform for communication," Alan Davidson, policy counsel for Google, said. "It's been the growth of Google as a company and as a presence in the industry that has prompted our engagement in Washington."

An upcoming engagement to watch is the fight over whether or not fees should be charged for heavy data traffic, like streaming video.

"Our belief is that this is going to be an issue of great concern for consumers," Davidson said. "The telephone companies have been lobbying these committees for generations. Our industry is very young."

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More