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.
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.”
Followed by:
A Google spokesperson said the employee was fired
Do I miss any logical step or a managing director just said that Google doesn’t represent democratic values? 🤔🤔
That guy probably posts here
If he does, then I hope he reads this comment saying he is based.
He would be based if he stood up against all the other vile shit Google has done.
T
Protesting a particular issue that riles him, is completely his right and should be applauded. It’s an especially brave thing to do from within the sacred corporate halls of his holy employer, when most people value their income and reputation over life itself (of others)- a common method of control. The idea that you’re not allowed to say a word in opposition unless you target every single possible google indiscretion, at apparently the exact same moment (max 30seconds as captured here possibly?) is ridiculous and pathetic. If he had stood up with a list 2000 matters to raise, would it have made it to your highly critical radar? The contractual, and geopolitical timing is kind of relevant also.
And besides , I wouldn’t be surprised if this person has been dissentful in other cases in other ways internally on smaller matters that didn’t make news. He appears to have a moral compass after all. If you dont have the guts to cause your superiors trouble when you know they’re doing wrong then atleast offer some kind of support to those who do. Not discourage with this kind of ridiculous dissent smothering attempt.
Any effort to expose groogle’s evil on any single matter is valid.
But they were fine sucking the Google teat when it was doing everything else?
Gotta draw the line somewhere. And this is a pretty good place.
Not every Google product is cartoon-villain tier evil, but project Nimbus definitely is.
Most people don’t dare speak out about it when their company is actively complicit in Genocide. This employee will no longer be complicit in Genocide.
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.
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.
They don’t claim to be a democratic company.
They also removed Do No Evil from their charter.
