Google workers publish letter criticizing company’s Israel-Palestine ‘double standard’

Nov 8, 2023 ·

Google recently faced criticism from its own employees over its perceived double standard regarding Israel and Palestine. The workers released a letter expressing their discontent with the company’s “silence and inaction” on Palestine, while simultaneously working closely with the Israeli government.

The letter, which was signed by more than 1,200 Google workers, expressed a deep sense of disappointment in the company’s failure to take meaningful action on the human rights violations in Palestine. The workers argued that while Google has been vocal in its support for human rights and democracy in other countries, such as Russia and China, it has remained silent about the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The letter pointed to the company’s close relationship with the Israeli government, which includes providing cloud services to the country’s security establishment. It also highlighted Google’s investments in Israeli businesses, as well as its failure to stand publicly against the expansion of illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.

The letter concluded by calling on Google to condemn human rights violations in Palestine, and to take active steps to change its policy. It also asked the company to ensure that its products, services, and partnerships are not used to facilitate human rights violations.

The letter is the latest example of how Google’s own workers have been increasingly vocal about issues related to human rights and social justice. In recent years, employees have expressed concerns about the company’s involvement in controversial military projects, its algorithm-based hiring practices, and its handling of online harassment.

This letter serves as an important reminder that technology companies must be held accountable for their actions, and that their impact goes far beyond their products and services. Google’s silence and inaction on Palestine is both morally wrong and deeply concerning. It is time for the company to address these issues and stand up for human rights in Palestine.