Internet giants unite to form 'The Internet Association'.

Fourteen of the internet's largest organisations have formed a new internet lobby group, including Google, Amazon and Facebook.

Known as ‘The Internet Association', the group will be the first of its kind to represent and promote the interests of the internet economy in Washington.  Their website states that they are dedicated to advancing public policy solutions to strengthen and protect internet freedom, foster innovation and economic growth and empower users.

President and CEO of the internet association, Michael Beckerman stated, "a free and innovative Internet is vital to our nation's economic growth". He also said, "These companies are all fierce competitors in the market place, but they recognize the Internet needs a unified voice in Washington. They understand the future of the Internet is at stake and that we must work together to protect it."

Representing the ‘unified voice of the internet economy', the following online companies have joined to form The Internet Association:

• Google
• Facebook
• Amazon
• AOL
• eBay
• Yahoo
• Zynga
• Expedia
• IAC
• LinkedIn
• Monster Worldwide
• Rackspace
• Salesforce.com
• Trip Advisor

In Q1 of this year alone, Google has spent over 5 million dollars on lobbying, which is an increase of over 3.5 million from the previous quarter last year.

You can find out more about the internet association by watching the official You Tube video here.