# Lobbying

URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/corruptionary/lobbying
Type: Corruptionary
Published: 2019-12-23
Updated: 2020-04-25

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### Definition

Any activity carried out to influence a government or institution’s policies and decisions in favour of a specific cause or outcome. Even when allowed by law, these acts can become distortive if disproportionate levels of influence exist – by companies, associations, organisations and individuals.

### Why it matters

When undertaken with integrity and transparency, lobbying is a legitimate avenue for interest groups to be involved in the deliberative process of law making. When lobbying is non-transparent and unregulated, problems arise and measures must be taken to ensure its accountability and openness