Big Tech spending on Brussels lobbying hits record high, report claims
AI Summary
Tech companies are spending a record €151 million annually lobbying in Brussels, marking a 50% increase since four years ago, according to a report by NGOs Corporate Europe Observatory and Lobby Control. Meta leads with €10 million, followed by Microsoft and Apple at €7 million each. This surge coincides with pressure from US officials like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who criticize EU tech regulations as stifling innovation and free speech. The debate has intensified over the AI Act, which aims to regulate AI systems based on societal risk levels. Despite no pause in implementation, a digital simplification package due mid-November may offer relief for companies under the AI Act. Ten major tech firms account for €49 million of this spending, up from €40 million two years ago.
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