Google: new concerns raised about political influence by senior 'revolving door' jobs

New concerns have been raised about the political influence of Google after research found at least 80 "revolving door" moves in the past decade – instances where the online giant took on government employees and European governments employed Google staff. The research was carried out by the Google Transparency Project, an initiative run by the Campaign for Accountability (CfA), a US organisation that scrutinises corporations and politicians. The CfA has suggested that the moves are a result of Google seeking to boost its influence in Europe as the company seeks to head off antitrust action and moves to tighten up on online privacy. In the UK, Google has hired people from Downing Street, the Home Office, the Treasury, the Department for Education and the Department for Transport. Overall, the company has hired at least 28 British public officials since 2005.