Groups on Google Payroll Flood Supreme Court With Briefs Defending Google

As the Supreme Court considers whether Google should be held responsible for any content it posts on its platforms, amicus briefs have been filed by dozens of organizations that have financial ties. All of them are advocating for a ruling in favor Google.

Nearly 40 legal organizations, nonprofits, and trade groups with financial and staff ties to Google submitted amicus briefs informally before the Court Gonzalez v. GoogleThe accounting department received a third (or more) of the briefs. Section 230, a federal law that protects online platforms from liability for third-party content, is at the heart of the case. Section 230 is often what stops tech companies from falling into financial ruin. The Court could open up the company to endless civil suits if it rules against Google. Google hosts an enormous amount of content through platforms like YouTube.

Supreme Court demands that corporations submit amicus briefs. They must disclose their parent companies, and list all other publicly held companies that have 10 percent or greater of their stock. Nonprofit groups are exempt from this requirement. It allows them to avoid financial ties by lobbying for Google.

It is interesting to see the number of interest groups that have filed amicus briefs for Google on their behalf. This gives us a glimpse into how tech companies use academics and nonprofits to influence policy. These groups are often disguised as outside entities but work tirelessly for the benefit of their donors.

Google didn’t respond to a request to comment.

Google made this public last year. A list The following entities were granted the “most substantial contributions” From its lobbying efforts. Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) was one of the groups that received money from the tech giant. Has Mark Isakowitz (Google’s vice president for government affairs) is a member of the board. The CCIA’s did not disclose Isakowitz as the top tech company lobbyist or Google’s funding for the group. Brief.

Google was also a top donor to the Center for Democracy and Technology. Contributing The group has been able to contribute millions over the last decade. In its newest initiative, the center announced that an ex-Google distinguished engineer is now part of its Amicus briefHowever, the company will not receive any financial donations.

In the event that Google is found guilty by the Court, GonzalezThe internet giant could be ordered to pay damages