More than a year after Google became the subject of legal action over its mishandling of sexual allegation incidents involving top executives, the company earlier this month settled the lawsuit with promises of swift reforms. This includes not only a $310 million pledge toward diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives but, as CNBC reports, also requires the company to institute sweeping reforms to its internal policies concerning sexual misconduct, discrimination, and retaliation incidents.
In total, the 177-page settlement filing obliges Google and parent company Alphabet to more than 80 changes to its policies. The company had in 2018 resolved to end forced arbitration for full-time employees at Google but has now extended the same to also include all of its workers, including contract employees, as well as those working at Alphabet’s ‘Other Bets’ divisions.
The extensive settlement aims to serve as an example for Silicon Valley at large, with Julie Goldsmith Resir, a lawyer representing the Google shareholders that initiated the lawsuit, telling CNBC, “The excuse has always been that these were just a few bad apples. This is the first time they’re saying in detail ‘it’s bigger than that and we aren’t going to allow this.'”
Alphabet also agreed to revise its use of NDAs, which could be used by executives and those in power to silence other employees’ complaints of discrimination and harassment. Employees will now be allowed to discuss facts relating to such incidents.
Google’s executives, including CEO Sundar Pichai, global affairs chief Kent Walker, and core engineering SVP Jen Fitzpatrick, will additionally not only be a part of the newly minted Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Council but will also be accountable for the implementation of the Council’s initiatives.
A new “rapid response team” will be responsible for handling allegations against senior executives, while also creating new tools to track employees’ interactions with HR.
The company has also committed to a policy of not providing severance packages to employees who are being investigated for harassment or discrimination, something that was the cause of much furor following Andy Rubin’s $90 million severance package, despite allegations of sexual misconduct. Employees will similarly not be allowed to amend their stock plans while under investigation.
Google’s parent company settles shareholder lawsuit over sexual misconduct
Have you listened to this week’s Android Central Podcast?
Every week, the Android Central Podcast brings you the latest tech news, analysis and hot takes, with familiar co-hosts and special guests.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
The latest Steve Aoki concert is even better in VR
Do you miss live concerts? Steve Aoki and Oculus are teaming up to help bring you an immersive live concert in VR on September 30 based on Neon Future IV, the 4th studio album launched earlier this year.
How to watch Google’s Pixel 5 event livestream on September 30
Between new Pixel phones and an all-new Chromecast, we’re expecting a few different hardware announcements from Google’s “Launch Night In” event on Septemeber 30. Here’s how you can tune-in and watch it!
Review: Until you Fall will punish you, but it’s worth it
Until You Fall is a VR roguelite that’ll challenge your skills with a blade, your wits, and your arm muscles. It’s now available on the Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2, PlayStation VR (PSVR), and PC VR platforms including SteamVR and Oculus Rift.
Relax your grip with these Oculus Touch hand straps and grips
When using Oculus Touch controllers, you must constantly keep your fingers clenched to avoid dropping them. Thankfully, there are a few reliable mods that replace the built-in straps with more secure straps and grips, both for the original Touch controllers and the new Touch 2s.
