Google fired an employee who protested this week at an Israeli tech event, and also shuttered an internal discussion board that filled up with dissent.

During a keynote speech in New York on Monday from the managing director of Google’s Israel business, an employee in the company’s cloud division protested publicly, proclaiming “I refuse to build technology that powers genocide.”

Google’s role as a provider of technology to militaries in the U.S. and abroad has been a source of workforce consternation since at least 2018, when employees protested a Defense Department contract called Project Maven. Then came controversy surrounding Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion artificial intelligence and computing services agreement among Google, Amazon Web Services and the Israeli government and military that began in 2021.

That outrage has spread to a host of other issues, often leaving CEO Sundar Pichai on the defensive when confronted by employees at company events.

  • S_204@lemm.eeEnglish
    2814·
    6 months ago

    Is that surprising? Dude spouted off during a work event.

    If they fired him for posting shit on his socials that’s quite a bit different than interrupting an employer led conference… would you expect to remain employed if you pulled this stunt tomorrow at your workplace?

    This conflict doesn’t get people a free pass on fucking shit up even if they believe they’re acting morally.

    • Linkerbaan@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      305·
      6 months ago

      Employer led conference for Genocide.

      Regev then told the crowd, “Part of the privilege of working in a company, which represents democratic values is giving the stage for different opinions.”

      And yes. If Google claims to be a Democratic company this comes with it.

      • chakan2@lemmy.worldEnglish
        31·
        6 months ago

        They don’t claim to be a democratic company.

        They also removed Do No Evil from their charter.