Without laws, the people/groups you mention would just use the law of the jungle - might makes right - to get what they want. At least with laws they have to somewhat accommodate this process to get what they want, frequently compromising along the way.
I'm not saying that all laws are perfect, but let's not get overwhelming cynicism get the best of us.
Might doesn't make right but might writes. (regulations)
The problem isn't the laws or regulations, but the fact that we leave corrupt politicians to write them.
Of course, fixing that is much easier than done, because even if you have a functioning democracy, corrupt politicians are still propped up by propaganda. Corporate's wishing to write the laws contribute much to support those politicians with lobbying and propaganda (Murdoch news empire)
To solve this you need a well-educated, politically conscious population, which is easier said than done.
The less skeptical we are, the more self-serving regulation we'll get.
Apparently he knew all the right senators to get a regulation passed making it so all health companies would be forced to license our software.
Wasn’t technically feasible at the time. Might be now.
Freaked me out as to how evil it was.