Google Will Have the President's Ear

Google may be the company that needs to do the least searching for influence with the new president, reports the Los Angeles Times. The company was one of the biggest contributors to Barack Obama's candidacy, and four Google execs were on the transition team. The search giant's agenda—widening high-speed Internet access and pushing for network neutrality—also dovetails with Obama's positions.

Expansion of broadband and net neutrality, which bars companies from charging sites for faster delivery, are largely championed by consumer advocates, but some experts worry that the firm will start wielding undue influence. Others downplay such concerns, noting that Google competitor Microsoft, which has more than three times as many employees, gave even more money to the campaign and shouldn't have much trouble getting the president's ear either.