Apple's low profile extends to D.C.

CUPERTINO, Calif., June 14 (UPI) -- Technology giant Apple's low-profile approach to Washington is provoking suspicion in the capital, Sen. John Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said.

"When people don't show up when we ask them to … all it does is increase our interest in what they're doing and why they didn't show up," Rockefeller said, referring to Apple's no-show at a hearing on childhood privacy and the Internet, the Politico reported Monday.

Apple is famous for its product secrecy. But the pattern follows in the the nation's capital where Apple spent $1.5 million on lobbying in 2009, compared to $4 million spent by Google and $7 million by Microsoft Corp.

Support in Washington could be critical as regulators look into antitrust complains stemming from Apple's ban of Adobe from iPhone applications.

The Federal Communications Commission is also investigating exclusivity contracts, such as the Apple arrangement with AT&T to sell the iPhone.

AT&T's admission last week that 100,000 e-mail addresses were stolen by hackers who breached the iPad's security system has also provoked questions in the beltway.

"As Apple continues getting success in new areas, the more they'll be a lightning rod for attention," said Rebecca Arbogast, managing director of analyst firm Stifel Nicolaus.