Alibaba Wins Temporary Relief From US Lobbying Ban as Judge Pauses Pentagon Restrictions
A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Pentagon-imposed ban on Alibaba's lobbying access, granting the company continued federal lobbying privileges while a constitutional challenge proceeds.
A U.S. federal judge has granted Alibaba temporary relief from a Pentagon-imposed ban on its lobbying activities. The ruling pauses the restrictions pending a constitutional review, allowing the Chinese e-commerce giant to retain federal lobbying access for now.
The ban was tied to Alibaba's inclusion on a Department of Defense blacklist. The company argued that the lobbying prohibition violated its free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution, prompting the court to intervene.
This is a preliminary decision, and the broader legal challenge continues. Alibaba's ability to lobby the U.S. government remains intact for the duration of the pause.
Source: First Squawk