UK Government Ministers Meet Tech Firms Hundreds of Times More Than Child Safety Advocates
A recent investigation into UK government ministers' meetings with tech companies has revealed that they meet at an alarming rate - far more than child safety advocates. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk's X have been attending these high-level meetings daily, enjoying access to the highest echelons of government power.
Google holds the record for most ministerial meetings, with over 100 engagements in just two years, surpassing even the major child safety campaigns like NSPCC. Tech lobbying groups like Tech UK also enjoy this level of interaction with ministers, meeting at a rate of more than once every eight working days.
The stark contrast between these interactions highlights a power imbalance when it comes to protecting children online. Experts argue that the industry's influence over government policy is 'disturbing' and 'incredibly disproportionate.' Campaigners are calling for greater accountability from tech companies, particularly in regards to AI regulation.
Elon Musk's X has sparked outrage with its Grok AI image generator, but the company still manages to secure numerous meetings with ministers. Meanwhile, child safety advocates struggle to find their voice, attending just 75 meetings with ministers - a tiny fraction of the total number met by tech companies and their lobbyists.
These findings underscore the growing concern about big tech's influence over government policy, particularly in relation to AI regulation. The 'capture' of government by the tech industry is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention.
A recent investigation into UK government ministers' meetings with tech companies has revealed that they meet at an alarming rate - far more than child safety advocates. Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk's X have been attending these high-level meetings daily, enjoying access to the highest echelons of government power.
Google holds the record for most ministerial meetings, with over 100 engagements in just two years, surpassing even the major child safety campaigns like NSPCC. Tech lobbying groups like Tech UK also enjoy this level of interaction with ministers, meeting at a rate of more than once every eight working days.
The stark contrast between these interactions highlights a power imbalance when it comes to protecting children online. Experts argue that the industry's influence over government policy is 'disturbing' and 'incredibly disproportionate.' Campaigners are calling for greater accountability from tech companies, particularly in regards to AI regulation.
Elon Musk's X has sparked outrage with its Grok AI image generator, but the company still manages to secure numerous meetings with ministers. Meanwhile, child safety advocates struggle to find their voice, attending just 75 meetings with ministers - a tiny fraction of the total number met by tech companies and their lobbyists.
These findings underscore the growing concern about big tech's influence over government policy, particularly in relation to AI regulation. The 'capture' of government by the tech industry is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention.
this is wild! like, what's going on? these tech companies are basically getting all the attention from the government ministers, while people who care about actual kids online safety are just left in the shadows 
it's no wonder they're saying it's a power imbalance... the fact that google and others have met with ministers over 100 times is insane 
and to think these are companies that are supposed to be regulating AI, not getting regulated by the government 
, like these big tech companies are basically calling the shots for the gov right? it's crazy to think they're getting all these meetings and influencing policy on stuff like AI regulation, which is literally super important for our future 
, but at the same time child safety advocates are getting barely any attention or meetings 
, it's just not fair. i think we need more transparency and accountability from these companies, especially since they're making some pretty sketchy moves with their AI tech 
it's like they're more influential than actual experts who care about kid safety 
this is all about profits and money over people, we need some serious change ASAP 
. I mean, what even is the point of having a government if they're just gonna let these guys run amok? 
It's like they're being paid off or something 
. And don't even get me started on Elon Musk's X – that AI thing is straight out of a sci-fi movie... or a bad dream 
. Something needs to be done, and fast! We can't just sit back and let these companies dictate our laws without any say in the matter 
. This whole thing is just too suspicious for me 
.
I'm really puzzled by this. Like, isn't protecting kids online kinda the top priority? 
Don't they care about the impact that's having on kids? It feels like we're letting big business get too much power over our gov.
. We need some real change around here, not just a bunch of empty promises from politicians who are probably being paid off by these companies 
100+ meetings with Google in two years? That's wild! Meanwhile, these activists are over here trying to make a difference and they barely get a seat at the table 
75 meetings is like, super low compared to tech companies getting daily passes 
gotta raise awareness about this issue ASAP - it's not just about AI reg but also about being a responsible corp 
like the tech companies have been pulling strings for ages & we're just now seeing the full extent of it?! 
Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Elon Musk's X - they're basically having breakfast with the PM daily 
meanwhile child safety advocates are fighting a losing battle 
100+ meetings w/ Google in 2 yrs? that's straight up concerning 
. tech companies have way too much power and influence over government policy, especially when it comes to AI regulation. we need stricter regulations ASAP 
. we need some serious change here 
like, what's the point of having a gov if they're just gonna listen to the highest bidder? 
. It's like, where's the balance? We need more transparency and less influence from these big corporations. It's time for some change, you feel me? 
But here's the thing, if the government is just going to play along with these tech giants, who's looking out for us as consumers? It feels like there's a power imbalance at play, where the industry is just calling all the shots. We need to hold them accountable and make sure our voices are being heard 
I'm all for accountability from tech companies, especially when it comes to AI regulation. We need to make sure they're not putting our kids at risk 
those companies are making bank off our kids and the gov is just letting them walk all over everyone... like what even is the point of having child safety advocates if no one's listening