Silicon Valley Learns to Lobby

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The pivotal year of 2000 marked a significant shift in the tech industry's approach to policy and lobbying. Following the DOJ ruling on Microsoft and key political changes, numerous professionals from the Clinton-Gore administration transitioned to roles within tech companies, notably in Silicon Valley. This influx of experienced policy veterans catalyzed the establishment of formal policy shops within burgeoning companies like Google and Facebook. As these firms recognized the necessity of engaging with traditional lobbying strategies, they invested heavily in expanding their lobbying operations. This growth was aimed not only at mitigating regulatory pressures but also at fostering better understanding among politicians regarding the technology being developed. The tech sector's evolution during this period reflects a proactive effort to bridge the gap between innovation and regulation.

Today, the tech industry is the second-biggest lobbying power in Washington, DC, but that wasn’t true as recently as ten years ago. How did we get to this moment? And where could we be going next? On this episode of Your Undivided Attention, Tristan and Daniel sit down with historian Margaret O’Mara and journalist Brody Mullins to discuss how Silicon Valley has changed the nature of American lobbying.

Your Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology. Follow us on Twitter: @HumaneTech_

RECOMMENDED MEDIA

The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government - Brody’s book on the history of lobbying.

The Code: Silicon Valley and the Remaking of America - Margaret’s book on the historical relationship between Silicon Valley and Capitol Hill

More information on the Google antitrust ruling

More Information on KOSPA

More information on the SOPA/PIPA internet blackout

Detailed breakdown of Internet lobbying from Open Secrets

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CORRECTION: Brody Mullins refers to AT&T as having a “hundred million dollar” lobbying budget in 2006 and 2007. While we couldn’t verify the size of their budget for lobbying, their actual lobbying spend was much less than this: $27.4m in 2006 and $16.5m in 2007, according to OpenSecrets.

The views expressed by guests appearing on Center for Humane Technology’s podcast, Your Undivided Attention, are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CHT. CHT does not support or oppose any candidate or party for election to public office