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High-Tech Lobbying Groups Emerge as a Force to Be Reckoned With on Capitol Hill

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In the midst of Microsoft's growing list of legal battles, the emergence of high-tech lobbying groups has been on the rise. The newly formed NetCoalition.com is a prime example, comprising some of the largest internet players, including Amazon.com, America Online, and Yahoo!. This group aims to represent the singular interests of the internet industry, promoting responsible market-driven solutions to industry challenges, while working to build consumer confidence and preserve a competitive environment. The formation of NetCoalition.com comes as presidential candidates for the 2000 race are increasingly focusing on Silicon Valley interests and collecting funds from the industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • NetCoalition.com is a newly formed high-tech lobbying group representing the interests of the internet industry, comprising leading companies such as Amazon.com, America Online, and Yahoo!.
  • The group's primary goals include promoting responsible market-driven solutions to industry challenges, building consumer confidence, and preserving a competitive environment.
  • Several prominent industry executives, including AOL Chairman Steve Case and eBay President Meg Whitman, have publicly expressed support for NetCoalition.com.
  • The emergence of NetCoalition.com follows recent visits to Capitol Hill by high-tech industry leaders, such as Microsoft's Bill Gates and Intel Corp.'s Andy Grove.
  • NetCoalition.com aims to provide a valuable resource and educational tool for policymakers and the public, highlighting the growing influence of the high-tech industry on Capitol Hill.

Statistics:

  • 8 leading internet companies are founding members of NetCoalition.com: Amazon.com, America Online, DoubleClick Corp., eBay Inc., Excite@Home, Inktomi, Lycos Inc., and theglobe.com.
  • 2 prominent industry executives have publicly expressed support for NetCoalition.com: AOL Chairman Steve Case and eBay President Meg Whitman.
  • The formation of NetCoaligion.com coincides with an increasing focus on Silicon Valley interests by presidential candidates for the 2000 race.

Sources:

  • Robert MacMillan, Newsbytes (July 11, 1999)
  • Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com

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