An open-source investigation reveals how Meta Platforms built a multi-channel influence operation to pass age verification laws that shift regulatory burden from social media platforms onto Apple and Google's app stores. The investigation documents Meta's $26.3 million in federal lobbying spending in 2025, deployed 86+ lobbyists across 45 states, and covertly funded a 'grassroots' child safety group called the Digital Childhood Alliance.

Research spanning IRS 990 filings, Senate lobbying disclosures, state registrations, and campaign finance databases uncovered five confirmed channels connecting Meta's spending to App Store Accountability Act advocacy. The investigation traced funding flows across $2.0 billion in dark money grants, analyzed 59,736 DAF recipients, and mapped campaign contributions across four states. Meta's federal lobbying spending jumped from $19M (2022-2023) to $24M (2024) to $26.3M (2025) as ASAA bills were introduced in roughly 20 states.

Key findings include Meta's covert funding of the Digital Childhood Alliance, which attacks Apple and Google while never mentioning Meta, and over $70 million in super PAC spending across four states. The ASAA requires app stores to verify user ages before downloads but imposes no requirements on social media platforms, effectively shifting compliance costs to Apple and Google while Meta's apps face zero new mandates.