Uncovering Big Tech Lobbying - European DIGITAL SME Alliance

Uncovering Big Tech Lobbying

Having the voice of SMEs heard

Big Tech and large corporations have incredible lobbying firepower compared to SMEs. Let's take a fact-based look at the current situation in the EU where digital policy is concerned. Help us draw attention to this unbalanced sphere - a sphere where big players with deep pockets seem to have a louder voice. Time to spread the word. Together, we can help SMEs cut through the noise and be heard.

Companies providing digital services play an integral role in our lives, shaping how we communicate, access information, and conduct business. The largest and most dominant tech firms, such as Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, wield significant financial and political influence, particularly in lobbying European policymakers.Their ability to shape regulatory discussions raises concerns about the balance of power between corporate giants and smaller players, especially SMEs.

Read more Lack of Transparency in Policy Discussions
 Data showed that over 20% of participants in European Commission workshops on tech regulation failed to disclose their industry affiliations. Many attendees represented lobbying firms, think tanks, or legal groups with direct ties to the companies being regulated, raising concerns that Big Tech's influence is being exerted through hidden channels rather than open debate.
Read more Hidden Networks of Influence
 Beyond direct lobbying, Big Tech also operates through its extensive networks. By failing to often clearly disclose their affiliations, these entities reinforce corporate narratives under the guise of independence, further skewing public debates and limiting opportunities for alternative perspectives - especially from smaller digital players.
 Read more Let's take a closer look at the iceberg together The digital lobbying budget has risen from €113 million in 2023 to €151 million, a 33.6% increase in two years. The top 10 digital corporations alone spend a total of €49 million on lobbying to influence EU policy. These financial resources allow them to maintain a dominant voice in shaping laws such as the GDPR, the Digital Markets Act, and the Digital Services Act. Escalating Lobbying Expenditures
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