We just learned Google and Facebook both have stepped up their lobbying efforts in Washington D.C., the capital of the largest economy in the world. What better time to reveal that Google, Facebook, Amazon, and eBay have formed a lobby group that goes by the name of the Internet Association.

The Internet Association is said to be created with the purpose of advancing “public policy solutions that strengthen and protect an open, innovative and free Internet”. While the group didn’t officially release the name of the companies that have joined it, the Internet Association did say it is “comprised of some of the world’s most visible Internet companies”; unofficial reports highlight Google, Facebook, Amazon, and eBay as four major four members.

A source familiar with the lobby says the group will be a “permanent association”, will advocate “on behalf of the Internet industry and its vast community of users”, and will advance “public policy solutions to strengthen America’s global Internet leadership”. The source was also sure to mention this is the first lobby group of its kind.

The Internet Association will be based in Washington (duh, it is a lobby group), will be officially formed in September 2012, and will be headed by former congressional staffer Michael Beckerman.

[via The News International | Image credit: opportplanet]