Google drops diversity-focused recruitment targets

Alphabet Workers Union called Google’s decision part of a growing push against workplace diversity in the technology sector.
An online education company has filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming its AI-generated search overviews are damaging digital publishing. Chegg alleges the technology reduces demand for original content by keeping users on Google's platform, ultimately eroding financial incentives for publishers. The company warns this could lead to a weaker online information ecosystem. Chegg, which provides textbook rentals and homework help, says Google's AI features have contributed to a drop in traffic and subscribers. As a result, the company is considering a sale or a move to go private. Chegg’s CEO Nathan Schultz argues Google is profiting from the company's content without proper compensation, threatening the future of quality educational resources. A Google spokesperson rejected the claims, insisting AI overviews enhance search and create more opportunities for content discovery. The company maintains that search traffic remains strong, with billions of clicks sent to websites daily. However, Chegg argues that Google's dominance in online search allows it to pressure publishers into providing data for AI summaries, leading to fewer visitors to original sites. The education company argues AI-generated overviews keep users on Google’s platform, reducing financial incentives for content creators.

Google has scrapped its diversity-based hiring goals and is reviewing its inclusion initiatives, aligning with other US businesses scaling back such efforts. Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi confirmed the company would no longer set aspirational diversity targets, marking a shift from commitments made in 2020 to improve representation across leadership roles.

A goal set by CEO Sundar Pichai in 2020 aimed for 30% of leadership hires to come from underrepresented groups by 2025. Reports indicate Google had reached 60% of its five-year objectives by early 2024. However, recent regulatory filings show that the company removed previous statements about making diversity a core focus, reflecting its broader reassessment of DEI programmes.

Alphabet Workers Union criticised the move, calling it part of a larger trend against workplace diversity in the tech sector. As a federal contractor, Google also cited the need to comply with changing regulations and executive orders affecting DEI initiatives. Internal employee groups such as “Black Googler Network” and ‘Trans at Google’ will remain in place, continuing to inform company policies.

Other major technology firms, including Meta and Amazon, have also reduced their DEI commitments. Conservative groups have challenged corporate diversity policies following a 2023 US Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in university admissions, increasing pressure on businesses to revise their approaches.