Scoop: Google trims global policy staff

Google has eliminated roles on its Government Affairs team as regulatory scrutiny over the tech giant is at an all-time high, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Tech firms have gone through tumultuous periods of growth and hiring followed by sharp downturns that result in lowering employee headcount.

• In January, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced 12,000 employees would be laid off.

What they're saying: "We've made some internal changes to our Government Affairs organization to invest for the long-term," a Google spokesperson told Axios, adding that hundreds of employees will still be working on policy issues for the company.

• "This will impact a small number of roles and we're supporting everyone through this transition."
• Per a source familiar with the situation, about 20 positions are impacted.
• People will be given chances to apply to different roles within the organization.