Public records show a significant uptick in Apple’s lobbying efforts since the inauguration of President Biden, according to a recent report by the New York Post. The uptick comes amidst growing and long-lasting scrutiny Apple faces from regulators in the United States and the EU regarding the App Store and the iPhone’s app ecosystem.
Apple executives and representatives, including CEO Tim Cook, have met with White House officials on numerous occasions, surpassing the frequency observed with other prominent tech leaders, according to the report. Public documents seen by the Post reveal that Apple officials have met with White House teams at least 87 times since January 2021.
Apple executives or company-affiliated lobbyists appear in the White House’s public visitor logs at least 87 times since President Biden took office in 2021 — with Cook personally visiting the White House at least 11 times for listed meetings with least 14 officials since 2021, according to a non-exhaustive review of the disclosures.
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The company maintains its interactions with the government focusing on advocating for user privacy, security, and other critical areas. Apple argues that proposed legislation like the Open App Markets Act and the American Innovation and Choice Online Act could compromise user security and hinder their business model around the App Store.
In a statement to the New York Post, an Apple spokesperson said the proposed legislation would put user’s security and privacy at risk. “We remain concerned that this legislation threatens to break this model and undermine the privacy and security protections our users depend on.”
“Governments and international agencies worldwide have explicitly advised against sideloading requirements, which would empower bad actors who want to target users—including children—with malware and scams, and make it easier for data-hungry companies to track users without their consent,” Apple added.
Apple’s statetement to the New York Post
Apple’s lobbying efforts include hiring well-regarded lobbying firms, contributing to policy-focused groups, and funding research on platform security and user privacy. Additionally, Apple has recruited individuals with experience in the Department of Justice’s antitrust division, potentially gaining valuable insights into legal proceedings.
Apple’s lobbying expenditure has steadily grown in recent years, reaching a record high of nearly $9.9 million in 2023. While this expenditure surpasses Apple’s historical spending, it remains relatively low compared to other tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google.
Apple faces a significant challenge as the Department of Justice prepares a massive antitrust lawsuit against the company. The outcome of this lawsuit and the proposed legislation will significantly impact how Apple operates its App Store and potentially other aspects of its business in the US, much like the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) is influencing the company’s platform in Europe.
