Facebook gearing up for privacy battles in next Congress

Facebook's Washington (DC) team is growing and moving to new offices.

But observers are quick to point out Facebook's team in D.C. is still tiny in comparison to tech stalwarts like Google and Intel, particularly with the increased congressional scrutiny on privacy issues and how social networks handle users' information. Most expect an increase in the firm's lobbying presence in an attempt to forestall any onerous privacy regulations. For its part Facebook insists it isn't in any hurry to add bodies in Washington; the company instead prefers to move deliberately and add employees individually to ensure they meet the company's unique culture. Right now the focus is on hiring a new manager of public policy to help spread Facebook's message to interested parties on the Hill.