Google Topped Peers in Lobbying as Washington Beat Up Big Tech

Search giant outdoes its rivals, including Facebook and Apple
Tech companies seek more influence amid heightened scrutiny

A sign featuring Google Inc.'s logo stands at the company's Asia-Pacific headquarters during its opening day in Singapore, on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Google officially opened its new hub in Singapore today.Photographer: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg

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By Ben Brody

January 24, 2018 at 5:44 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Alphabet Inc.’s Google outspent its tech rivals in lobbying in 2017, as Facebook Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Apple Inc. set company records for the year, federal disclosures show.

The bonanza for tech and telecom lobbying came as both sectors faced tough scrutiny in Washington, and a wide variety of industries sought to capitalize on a tax overhaul and regulatory rollback in President Donald Trump’s first year in office.