Google Goes Lobbying

New hire Alan Davidson will be the vanguard of a concerted effort to influence U.S. Internet policy.

Google has hired a Washington, D.C. lobbyist to represent its interests on legislative matters. It said the hire marks the beginning of a concerted program to influence U.S. policy on issues like copyright and regulation of the telecommunications sector.

“It seems that policymaking and regulatory activity in Washington, D.C. affect Google and our users more every day,” wrote Andrew McLaughlin, senior policy counsel, in a post to the company’s official blog. “It’s important to be involved — to participate in the policy process and contribute to the debates that inform it. So we’ve opened up a shop there.”

Google’s first Washington staffer is Alan Davidson, who has been associate director at the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT). Davidson’s work for the CDT has focused on free speech online, broadband, the creation of standards, and international jurisdiction. He is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s program in communications, culture, and technology.

His work in the private sector included a stint as a senior consultant to Booz-Allen & Hamilton, building information systems for NASA’s Space Station Freedom Project.

Google’s statement did not address the company’s stance on some legislative issues that could affect its business model, now and in the future. These include topics such as the use of consumer data and trademark use in online advertising. Geico and Google last month settled a long-standing trademark suit, leaving questions about the legality of using trademarked terms in ad copy.

Representatives of the company could not immediately be reached for comment.

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers

US Mobile Streaming Behavior
Whitepaper | Mobile

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

5y

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Streaming has become a staple of US media-viewing habits. Streaming video, however, still comes with a variety of pesky frustrations that viewers are ...

View resource
Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups
Whitepaper | Analyzing Customer Data

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

5y

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics f...

Data is the lifeblood of so many companies today. You need more of it, all of which at higher quality, and all the meanwhile being compliant with data...

View resource
Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people
Whitepaper | Digital Marketing

Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its peopl...

2y

Learning to win the talent war: how digital market...

This report documents the findings of a Fireside chat held by ClickZ in the first quarter of 2022. It provides expert insight on how companies can ret...

View resource
Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

1m

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource