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Google has carefully cultivated an image for itself as a socially conscious tech company. The company even hosts an “Equal Justice Initiative” described as committed to “protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.” However, Google’s social responsibility through its initiatives, and history and treatment of its own marginalized employees tell two different stories. Recently, Google told employees that Pride protests would be in direct violation of the company’s code of conduct. Employees were planning to march alongside Google while protesting YouTube following poor handling of homophobic harassment directed at Vox journalist, Carlos Maza . When asked if that would be allowed, an inclusion lead said, according to The Verge: “Employees are free to make whatever statement they want personally, apart from our corporate sponsored float/contingent. But they are not permitted to leverage our platform to express a message contradictory to the one...
Recently, YouTube has come under scrutiny for its failure to remove videos containing homophobic language. The issue originally arose after Vox reporter Carlos Maza tweeted about ongoing harassment from Steven Crowder. In his Twitter thread, Maza included a video compilation of Crowder making homophobic comments like calling Maza a “lispy queer.” YouTube originally responded via its own Twitter account stating that “while we found language that was clearly hurtful, the videos as posted don’t violate our policies.” Since then, YouTube has demonetized Crowder’s account and CEO Susan Wojcicki attempted to issue an apology to the LGBTQ+ Community . Now, Google is stepping in. Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai sent out an internal email promising that YouTube is taking a “hard look” at its harassment policies. The email, obtained by The Verge , also stated that the company will consult “many groups, including people who have themselves experienced harassment.” “It was important for me to hear...
Last week, Google announced a new external advisory board to to ensure the company works towards “responsible” AI development. People quickly honed in on one board addition: Kay Coles James, president of the conservative think-tank, the Heritage Foundation. Now, over 1,200 Googlers — along with academic, civil society, and industry supporters — have signed a petition calling for James’ removal, citing her transphobia, homophobia, and anti-immigrant positions as cause. “In selecting James, Google is making clear that its version of ‘ethics’ values proximity to power over the wellbeing of trans people, other LGBTQ people, and immigrants,” Googlers Against Transphobia and Hate wrote in a Medium post. Noting that the person who took credit for James’ appointment claimed it was to ensure “diversity of thought,” the group added: “This is a weaponization of the language of diversity. By appointing James to the ATEAC, Google elevates and endorses her views, implying that hers is a valid...
Apple has removed an app promoting anti-gay messages from the App Store after an LGBT rights organization petitioned against it. According to The Dallas Morning News, the app was created three years ago by Living Hope Ministries, a Texas based non-profit that’s been accused of gay conversion therapy, the practice of trying to change a person’s sexual identity. On its website, the organization claims to “disciple young adults who are actively seeking Christian support as they pursue Christ and His design for sexuality.” The app has been available in Google, Amazon, and Windows stores. Truth Wins Out, an organization that opposes conversion therapy and launched a petition against the app , says it was removed from the Apple store a day after it appeared there. “We thank Apple for exemplifying corporate responsibility and taking swift action to remove a dangerous app that stigmatizes and demeans LGBT people,” Truth Wins Out Director Wayne Besen said in a statement. Truth Wins Out...