Facebook makes foray into California lobbying

Facebook, which has been bolstering its political influence as it grows in popularity, has made an initial foray into lobbying in its home state by targeting a specific privacy bill, according to filings with the California Secretary of State's office.

Facebook spent more than $6,600 on lobbying in California for the period between April and June, according to a recent filing. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company's attention was specifically directed at the Social Networking Privacy Act, a bill introduced in the state Senate in February, which would restrict social-networking sites from displaying the addresses and phone numbers of minors. The reported lobbying activity underlines Facebook's need to make its case with both state and federal legislators, amid growing concerns about online privacy. It also highlights the early stage of the social-networking firm's progress.