Bong Long Reader

Inside the growing employee activism shaping one of the world’s biggest tech companies.

➤Concerns Over Ethical Use of Technology:
Employees have protested projects like Project Maven, arguing that Google’s AI should not be used for military or surveillance purposes.
➤Opposition to Government Contracts:
Google’s work with government agencies, particularly around immigration enforcement and defense, has triggered internal protests over moral responsibility.
➤Transparency and Decision-Making Criticism:
Workers have criticized Google’s leadership for lack of transparency, especially when launching controversial initiatives without internal consultation.
➤Resistance to Censorship Projects:
The Dragonfly project, which involved building a censored search engine for China, sparked global backlash from employees who opposed aiding authoritarian regimes.
➤Workplace Harassment and Misconduct Allegations:
The 2018 Google Walkout, involving thousands of employees worldwide, protested how the company handled sexual misconduct cases, demanding better accountability.
➤Calls for Greater Diversity and Inclusion:
Employees have voiced frustration over inequities in hiring, promotions, and workplace treatment, urging systemic change for underrepresented groups.
➤Retaliation Claims and Whistleblower Backlash:
Some employees have alleged retaliation for speaking out, fueling concerns over a toxic culture that discourages dissent.
➤Unionization and Worker Rights Advocacy:
Recent protests have included demands for labor rights, protections for contractors, and support for Google worker unions globally.
➤Climate Change and Sustainability Activism:
Employees have urged Google to cut ties with fossil fuel companies and adopt greener business practices to combat the climate crisis.
➤A Push for Ethical Leadership and Corporate Responsibility:
Ultimately, protests reflect a broader demand for Google to align its operations with the values it publicly promotes—like fairness, openness, and doing no harm.