Google and Comcast lobbying spending soars in first quarter of 2015

Google is under investigation in Europe over allegations it abused its dominance in search, while Comcast is seeking approval to merge with TWC

Google spent a record $5.47m on lobbying during the first quarter of 2015, an increase of 43% from $3.82m in theprevious year, according to figures compiled by non-profit group Consumer Watchdog.

According to disclosures just filed with the clerk of the House of Representatives, cable giant Comcast was Google's closest rival, spending $4.62m in the quarter, an increase of 50% from $3.09m in the first quarter of 2014.