Press

Press resources, key findings summary, and contact information for journalists.

For Journalists

This investigation documents how Meta Platforms built a multi-channel influence operation to pass App Store Accountability Act (ASAA) legislation across US states. The ASAA shifts age verification burden from social media platforms onto app stores, benefiting Meta while imposing costs on Apple and Google.

Key Facts

  • $26.3 million - Meta’s federal lobbying spend in 2025, an all-time record exceeding Lockheed Martin and Boeing
  • 86+ lobbyists across 45 states deployed for ASAA and related campaigns
  • $70M+ in super PAC spending across four state-level PACs (ATEP, META California, California Leads, Forge the Future)
  • Digital Childhood Alliance (DCA) - Meta-funded astroturf 501(c)(4) with no EIN, no incorporation record, and no Form 990
  • 3 states have passed ASAA laws (Utah, Louisiana, Texas), with ~17 more considering
  • 283 documented findings based entirely on public records
  • $2.0 billion in Arabella network grants analyzed with zero going to child safety

Available Assets

The following charts from the investigation are available for editorial use:

  1. Meta Lobbying Expenditures - Bar chart showing spending growth to record $26.3M (view)
  2. Arabella Grants Analysis - Visualization of $2.0B in grants with zero to child safety (view)
  3. Influence Network Map - Diagram of Meta’s five confirmed channels (view)

Full Source Material

All analysis files, raw data references, and source citations are available in the Repository.

Contact

For press inquiries regarding this investigation, please use secure channels. Details to be provided.