Facebook is setting up an advocacy group in Washington DC with the sole aim of preventing the US government from regulating the company. The lobbying group will claim that big tech is (vomit bags at the ready) "essential to the future of free speech."

The details were revealed in a Washington Post report which details how the group, to be called 'American Edge' will spend millions in advertising and political greasing to prevent regulation.

"The setup essentially allows it to navigate a thicket of tax laws in such a way that it can raise money, and blitz the airwaves with ads, without the obligation of disclosing all of its donors." the report states.

The Post also states that the lobbying effort will involve arguments that "strong restrictions imposed on tech giants could hurt US firms and ultimately serve to aid their competitors, particularly in China."

Confirming its involvement to the Post, Facebook claimed that the lobbying group will "help build support for our industry."