Article snippet: Influential free market and conservative groups are pushing back against Republican lawmakers' calls to rein in big tech companies over allegations of bias. GOP lawmakers have accused tech platforms of bias against conservatives and are looking to take on the industry through antitrust action or by eliminating their legal protections. Tech companies, which have long denied those allegations, are now finding a surprising ally in conservative groups that worry the government will hamper a growing industry and tamper with free speech protections. Conservative groups, including many backed by billionaire conservative activist Charles Koch, are launching an aggressive campaign to voice their concerns even as lawmakers aligned with them on other issues, such as Sens. MORE (R-Mo.), threaten tougher regulations on tech firms. Jesse Blumenthal, the lead on tech and innovation policy for the Koch network, told The Hill that many groups on the right believe GOP lawmakers are “playing politics” with the issue “in a way that is deeply unhelpful and really threatens core free speech protections.” “That’s one of the reasons you’ve seen us be noticeable, more vocal over the last few months,” Blumenthal said, referring to the Koch network’s increasing involvement on tech issues. “And we’ll continue to be.” Blumenthal added there is “no credible evidence that there is a broad campaign to silence conservatives online.” The issue, though, is one that is resonating with GOP lawmakers... Link to the full article to read more