The report indicates Tim Cook, Apple CEO, is pushing to make Apple more open and transparent at the same time it is developing products that attract more scrutiny from the government, such as the highly anticipated Apple Watch which is expected to be available in stores this year.
In the first three quarters of 2014, Apple spent $2.9 million on lobbying costs. While that indicates marked growth for Apple, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company is spending far less than its main competitors, according to the report. Microsoft spent $6 million on lobbying costs through third quarter and Google spent $13.7 million in the same timeframe, according to the report.
Apple has increasingly met with federal agencies to discuss items such as mobile apps and related software, how Apple products collect and use consumer health data and new product briefings, according to the report. Apple also has spent time in Washington in court, largely surrounding cases regarding fixed e-book pricing and billing parents for apps their children purchased without their consent, according to the report.
Overall, Apple is taking forceful steps to solidify its presence in Washington.
“The big question is: Is Apple finally getting it?” said Chris Jones, founder of lobbyist recruiting firm CapitolWorks, in the report. “Yes, they are. They’re understanding there needs to be a proactive outreach on Capitol Hill and a proactive outreach to the administration.”
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