Company Directory - Alibaba Group Holding Limited
Company Details - Alibaba Group Holding Limited
Alibaba Group Holding Limited
WebsiteHangzhou, China
ISIN: US01609W1027
30 Locations
Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational technology conglomerate specializing in e-commerce, technology, and artificial intelligence. The company operates a broad ecosystem including online and mobile marketplaces, cloud computing, digital media, and various innovation initiatives serving consumers and businesses worldwide.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Alibaba Group Holding Limited
-29.37
0.03%
Latest Event
Jack Ma's Trade War Statement
In a throwback video, Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma stated he would 'destroy' Alibaba if it meant ending the US-China trade war, arguing that halting the conflict could promote long-term global stability and mutual economic benefit.
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Alibaba Group Holding Limited is currently rated as an Accomplice.
Latest Events
- APR182025
In a throwback video, Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma stated he would 'destroy' Alibaba if it meant ending the US-China trade war, arguing that halting the conflict could promote long-term global stability and mutual economic benefit.
- MAR272025
Alibaba Group's investment in its Qwen model—released as open weights through Alibaba Cloud—has enabled broader access to AI research and development. Co-founder Joe Tsai's public warning about an emerging U.S. AI bubble underscores a commitment to engaging in open, transparent discourse about technology trends, which in turn has a positive impact on innovation and democratization of AI. While the broader context of Chinese state influence remains a concern for some activists, the move represents a positive step in reducing monopolistic control by big tech and empowering smaller research initiatives.
- MAR252025
Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai warned of a potential bubble in data center construction amid reports of Microsoft scaling back its global data center projects. His public caution highlights concerns that the rapid buildout in AI and cloud infrastructure might exceed actual demand, promoting a more measured approach to tech investments.
- FEB192025
OpenSecrets data reveals that Alibaba Group contributed $75,493 and spent $2,520,000 on lobbying in the 2024 cycle, combined with a significant revolving door phenomenon among its lobbyists. These activities raise concerns about its role in potentially undermining democratic accountability and supporting authoritarian practices.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Alibaba Group’s political contributions and lobbying expenditures, including $2.52M spent in 2024, indicate a marked effort to influence political processes. Such financial engagements, especially when combined with a revolving door of former government employees, heighten concerns over corporate complicity in enabling authoritarian policies.
-30
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
The profile highlights a significant revolving door phenomenon, with a large percentage of Alibaba Group’s lobbyists having previously held government positions. This overlap creates potential conflicts of interest and raises serious concerns over undue executive political engagement, contributing to broader authoritarian influences.
- FEB192025
Reports from OpenSecrets indicate that Alibaba Group spent $2,620,000 on lobbying activities in 2023. The data, including lobbying figures, were released by the Senate Office of Public Records on February 19, 2025, highlighting the company’s proactive engagement in influencing political processes through substantial financial outlays.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
April 18
Alibaba Group’s significant lobbying expenditure of $2,620,000, as reported by OpenSecrets, reflects an effort to influence US political processes. From an anti-fascist perspective, such corporate political spending may contribute to consolidating corporate power and undermining democratic accountability, thereby aligning with authoritarian interests.
- FEB172025Alibaba's Involvement in Xi Jinping’s Meeting Raises Questions About Authoritarian Complicity
-39.19
The article details Alibaba founder Jack Ma's attendance at a policy meeting with President Xi Jinping, where assurances of policy stability were given and Alibaba pledged $15.5 billion towards a state-led common prosperity initiative. This event raises concerns about the company's alignment with authoritarian policies.
-45
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
Jack Ma’s participation in the meeting after previous public criticisms suggests a strategic re-alignment with the authoritarian state. His presence at a high-level policy meeting with President Xi Jinping underscores the company's complicity in reinforcing state-controlled economic and political narratives.
China's Xi promises policy stability at meeting with business leaders, including Alibaba's Jack Ma
-35
Public and Political Behavior
March 27
Alibaba's commitment of $15.5 billion to support the government’s common prosperity initiative reflects a direct alignment with state economic policies. This financial pledge, combined with participation in politically symbolic meetings, indicates corporate support that may reinforce authoritarian governance structures.
China's Xi promises policy stability at meeting with business leaders, including Alibaba's Jack Ma
- FEB162025
Alibaba Group's involvement in enabling a censored version of Apple's AI in China raises concerns about the company's role in deploying repressive technologies that support authoritarian censorship.
-70
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 18
Alibaba's collaboration with Apple to integrate censorship software into its AI platform in China directly contributes to the suppression of information, aligning with authoritarian practices. By enabling technology that filters or censors content to comply with Chinese government mandates, Alibaba is complicit in reinforcing repressive state policies.
Apple will reportedly collaborate with Alibaba to release ‘censored’ AI in China
- FEB162025
Alibaba's partnership with Apple to implement a censorship layer on Apple Intelligence in China demonstrates a direct involvement in repressive technological practices aimed at enforcing government-mandated content control, aligning with authoritarian regimes.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 18
Alibaba's implementation of a filtering layer for Apple Intelligence in China to comply with government censorship requirements is a clear example of provisioning technology for repression. By enabling forced content alteration and surveillance under state pressure, Alibaba contributes to authoritarian control over information, thus directly supporting the framework of state censorship and repression.
Apple’s AI in China to Be Censored Under Alibaba Partnership
- FEB142025
Alibaba has implemented censorship measures on Apple Intelligence in China by filtering AI outputs to comply with Chinese government mandates, thereby reinforcing authoritarian control over information.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 18
By acting as a censor for Apple Intelligence in China, Alibaba is directly facilitating government-mandated suppression of AI outputs. This decision supports authoritarian practices by limiting free expression and reinforcing state censorship, thereby contributing negatively to democratic discourse and technological neutrality.
- FEB142025
Alibaba Group is reported to have partnered with Apple to implement a censorship layer on Apple Intelligence in China. The company’s involvement entails manipulating AI output to comply with government censorship demands, raising significant concerns about its role in facilitating repressive technologies that support authoritarian practices.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 18
Alibaba's role in manipulating the output of Apple Intelligence in China serves as a direct example of providing technology that enforces state censorship. This action not only supports authoritarian censorship practices but helps maintain an environment where free expression is curtailed. The company's involvement in creating an additional censorship layer is a clear complicity in facilitating repressive technologies.
Alibaba to manipulate Apple Intelligence output in China for censorship
- FEB062025
An analysis based on OpenSecrets data reveals that Alibaba Group contributed $75,493 in the 2024 election cycle and spent $2,520,000 on lobbying. Moreover, a significant portion of its lobbyists have previously held government positions, highlighting concerns about revolving door practices and the potential for undue influence on U.S. political processes. From an anti-fascist perspective, this level of political engagement raises questions about the company’s role in facilitating policies that may support authoritarian or crony capitalist tendencies.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 25
The company's substantial lobbying expenditure and the high turnover of lobbyists with prior government experience indicate a deep engagement in political processes that can undermine democratic accountability. This revolving door phenomenon enables continued influence over policy-making, potentially aligning with far-right or authoritarian agendas. Such practices are viewed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective, as they erode transparency and fuel the entrenchment of power networks that support cronyism and undemocratic practices.
- FEB062025
OpenSecrets data reveals Alibaba Group's significant political contributions and lobbying spending in recent election cycles, raising concerns about its influence on democratic processes and potential complicity in authoritarian practices.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
The OpenSecrets report on Alibaba Group documents lobbying expenditures of $2,520,000 in the 2024 cycle and a noteworthy revolving door phenomenon, with 23 of 34 lobbyists in 2023 having held government positions. This heavy emphasis on lobbying, despite relatively modest direct political contributions, suggests that the company is engaging in practices that could help shape policy in favor of authoritarian agendas.
- JAN012025
Alibaba Group responded to the sudden death of a child laborer at the Zhiya Undergarment factory in Foshan by condemning child labor and labor abuse. The company stated that such practices are a serious legal and ethical violation, enforced strict rules on third-party sellers, permanently banned the factory from its platform, and pledged to work with international auditing bodies and relevant authorities.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 18
Alibaba's swift condemnation of child labor and the permanent ban on a factory involved in labor abuse demonstrate a strong commitment to uphold labor rights and human rights. This proactive stance helps protect vulnerable workers and aligns with anti-fascist values by opposing exploitative labor practices.
Alibaba response on child laborer's sudden death at Zhiya Undergarment factory in Foshan
- DEC312024
New filings under the Lobbying Disclosure Act reveal that Alibaba Group engaged in a range of lobbying activities in Q4 2024, spending $740,000 to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes. This spending raises concerns regarding corporate efforts to shape policies in a way that may undermine democratic oversight and promote authoritarian business interests.
-30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Alibaba Group's disclosure of $740,000 in lobbying expenditure during Q4 2024 highlights the company's active efforts to influence legislative and regulatory matters. Despite the relatively modest amount compared to major US spenders, this activity demonstrates a willingness to sway policy in favor of corporate interests, which can compromise democratic processes and foster an environment where authoritarian policies are more easily enacted.
Lobbying Update: $740,000 of ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED lobbying was just disclosed
- DEC312024
A new Lobbying Disclosure Act filing revealed that Alibaba Group spent $80,000 on lobbying efforts in Q4 2024, targeting issues such as rights holder protection, anti-counterfeit measures, and export promotion. This activity raises concerns over corporate influence in policymaking and its potential to undermine democratic accountability.
-20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
The disclosed lobbying expenditure of $80,000 indicates that Alibaba Group is engaging in political influence efforts. While the amount is relatively modest, such activities contribute to shaping policies in ways that favor corporate interests, potentially undermining democratic processes and enabling authoritarian practices. From an anti-fascist perspective, even modest lobbying raises red flags regarding corporate complicity in political manipulation.
Lobbying Update: $80,000 of ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED lobbying was just disclosed
- SEP302024
Alibaba Group disclosed $690,000 in lobbying expenditures in Q3 2024, raising concerns about the use of corporate political spending to influence policy decisions in ways that may bolster authoritarian agendas.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
The disclosure of $690,000 in lobbying expenditures by Alibaba Group in Q3 2024 is a clear indicator of the company's active efforts in political influence. From a left-leaning perspective, such significant lobbying activity can be viewed as enabling practices that undermine democratic accountability and potentially support authoritarian policies. The targeted issues, which include export promotion and technology policy discussions, raise questions about whether the lobbying efforts are aligned with broader corporate interests that might compromise public and political integrity.
Lobbying Update: $690,000 of ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED lobbying was just disclosed
- AUG312024
Alibaba Group has concluded a three-year antitrust compliance overhaul following a massive fine for monopolistic practices, signaling a significant shift in its business practices towards fair market competition.
+70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
In response to a heavy fine and regulatory pressure, Alibaba undertook a three-year compliance overhaul to curb its monopolistic practices. This proactive measure to re-align business operations and ensure fair competition enhances its ethical business conduct.
+60
Economic and Structural Influence
March 27
The overhaul reduces Alibaba's previous dominance in the market by addressing systemic monopolistic practices that skewed economic power. By reforming its business model to encourage competition, the company is mitigating its potential for excessive economic influence.
- JUL092024
Allegations have emerged accusing Alibaba of deploying facial recognition software aimed at targeting ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs, while its AliExpress platform is under investigation for hosting illegal content including pornographic material accessible to minors and counterfeit medicine.
-90
Provision of Repressive Technologies
April 18
Alibaba is accused of providing facial recognition technology that targets Uyghur minorities, contributing to state surveillance and the repression of ethnic groups. This use of technology poses serious human rights risks and aligns with practices that can empower authoritarian control.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
April 18
AliExpress, a key platform under Alibaba, is under investigation for allowing illegal content such as pornographic materials accessible to minors and counterfeit medicines. This reflects significant ethical lapses in business practices, undermining the company's responsibility towards safeguarding vulnerable communities.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
- JUL092024
An investigation into Alibaba's alleged use of facial recognition software aimed at ethnic minorities and oversight failures on its AliExpress platform, raising concerns about its role in enabling tools of repression and unethical business practices.
-80
Technology and Services Impact
July 9
Alibaba is accused of providing facial recognition technology that targets ethnic minorities, in particular Uyghurs. This technology has potential repressive applications by enabling surveillance and control, which could be used by authoritarian regimes to oppress vulnerable populations. Such involvement in providing repressive technologies significantly contributes to their complicity in authoritarian practices.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
July 9
Alibaba’s AliExpress platform is under investigation for hosting illegal content, including pornographic material accessible to minors and counterfeit products like fake medicine. This raises serious concerns about the company's business practices and its ethical responsibility, indirectly supporting the undermining of human rights and social standards.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
- JUL092024
An investigation revealed that Alibaba is accused of offering facial recognition technology targeting ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs, while also facing scrutiny over its AliExpress platform for hosting prohibited content, raising concerns over its role in enabling repressive practices.
-50
Technology and Services Impact
March 27
Allegations assert that Alibaba provided facial recognition software which disproportionately targets ethnic minorities, notably Uyghurs. This raises serious concerns over the deployment of repressive technologies that can facilitate state surveillance and oppress dissent, thereby bolstering authoritarian practices.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
Investigations into Alibaba's AliExpress platform indicate that the company has allowed illegal content, including pornographic materials accessible to minors and counterfeit medical products, reflecting significant lapses in ethical oversight and responsibility. This raises questions about the company's commitment to ethical business practices and its broader complicity in systems that may support authoritarian agendas.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
- JUL092024
A Business & Human Rights Resource Centre report details allegations against Alibaba, accusing the company of offering facial recognition technology that targets ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs, and of facilitating illegal and potentially harmful content on its e-commerce platform AliExpress.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 25
Alibaba’s handling of its e-commerce platform has raised serious concerns. The investigation into AliExpress for hosting illegal content, including pornographic materials accessible to minors and fake medicine, signals a troubling disregard for ethical business practices and consumer safety. This negligence contributes to an environment where authoritarian influences can flourish unchecked by proper regulatory oversight.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
-70
Technology and Services Impact
March 25
Allegations that Alibaba is offering facial recognition software designed to target ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs, reflect the company’s involvement in repressive technology practices. This not only poses grave risks to minority rights but also assists in creating surveillance tools that authoritarian regimes may use to suppress dissent, mirroring trends in state-driven fascist agendas.
EURO 2024 sponsors face allegations of human rights abuses & unethical practices
- JUL092024
Alibaba Group is accused of offering facial recognition software targeting ethnic minorities, particularly Uyghurs, while its AliExpress platform faces scrutiny for hosting illegal content including pornographic materials and fake medicine. These allegations highlight potential support for authoritarian practices and failures in ethical oversight.
- JUN242024
The article reports that Alibaba's sponsorship of UEFA EURO 2024 has raised serious concerns over alleged forced labour practices in its supply chains and the provision of repressive facial recognition technologies targeting Uyghur populations.
-60
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
Allegations link Alibaba to forced labour abuses involving Uyghur workers, undermining ethical supply chain practices. This controversy directly implicates the company in human rights violations and raises concerns about its complicity in authoritarian practices.
-50
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 27
Reports claim that Alibaba provided a facial recognition system capable of identifying ethnic minorities, particularly focusing on Uyghurs. This use of repressive technology supports authoritarian surveillance practices and contributes to the erosion of civil liberties.
- JUN242024Allegations of Repressive Technology and Questionable Ethical Practices Linked to UEFA Sponsorship
-64.25
An article published on June 24, 2024, raises serious concerns after reporting claims that Alibaba Group, a key sponsor for UEFA EURO 2024, provided facial recognition software allegedly configured to identify Uyghurs. The report also ties the company into broader forced labor controversies, calling into question its commitment to ethical business practices and its role in enabling repressive state actions.
-80
Technology and Services Impact
March 25
Alibaba has been implicated in providing facial recognition technology capable of identifying ethnic minorities, notably Uyghurs, which underscores a willingness to engage in practices that may facilitate state repression and surveillance. Such actions are particularly concerning in the current global context where technology is increasingly used to undermine civil liberties and target vulnerable populations.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 25
By continuing its association as a UEFA sponsor despite widespread allegations linking its subsidiaries to forced labour practices and other ethical breaches, Alibaba demonstrates a troubling disregard for ethical business practices. This alignment with organizations implicated in human rights abuses casts a shadow on its corporate responsibility credentials.
- SEP152023
Following the tragic death of a child laborer at a supplier factory in Foshan, Alibaba Group swiftly condemned the labor abuse. The company enforced its strict policies by permanently banning the third-party seller responsible and pledged to work with international auditing bodies and Chinese authorities. This response underscores Alibaba’s commitment to protecting labor rights and ensuring ethical supply chain practices, though continued vigilance and independent auditing remain critical.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 27
Alibaba's immediate and strict response to the incident—condemning child labor and enforcing labor rights—demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical human rights practices. The decision to permanently ban the supplier underlines a proactive approach in upholding labor standards, though the need for ongoing oversight remains.
Alibaba response on child laborer's sudden death at Zhiya Undergarment factory in Foshan
+70
Supply Chain Ethics
March 27
By permanently banning the non-compliant supplier, Alibaba demonstrates commitment to supply chain ethics and the enforcement of ethical sourcing policies. While this action is a positive step in curbing labor abuse, it highlights the need for continued independent audits to ensure all third-party vendors comply with rigorous ethical standards.
Alibaba response on child laborer's sudden death at Zhiya Undergarment factory in Foshan
- APR112023
On April 11th in Foshan, Guangdong, a child laborer died amid revelations that Alibaba’s reliance on ineffective factory inspections—carried out by its affiliated SGS and Alibaba Taofactory—failed to detect grave human rights abuses at supplier Zhiya Undergarment. The incident has raised serious concerns about Alibaba's commitment to upholding labor rights and ensuring transparent, ethical supply chain practices.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
April 18
The tragic death of a child laborer underscores a severe lapse in Alibaba’s labor relations and human rights practices. The article highlights that the worker’s rights were compromised through inadequate oversight in labor conditions at supplier Zhiya, reflecting a broader failure to protect vulnerable workers.
SGS and Alibaba Both Ought to be Held Responsible for the Death of a Child Laborer
-80
Supply Chain Ethics
April 18
Alibaba’s supply chain ethics are called into question as the incident reveals that the company’s inspection and auditing processes are superficial and fail to adequately address critical human rights issues. The persistent approval of Zhiya as a 'Quality Supplier' despite evident labor abuses reflects systemic shortcomings in supply chain oversight.
SGS and Alibaba Both Ought to be Held Responsible for the Death of a Child Laborer
- FEB212023
Alibaba Group has spent millions on U.S. lobbying and political donations, primarily supporting Democratic candidates, as reported on February 21, 2023. This political engagement is seen as opposition to authoritarian practices by backing traditionally anti-fascist, democratic causes, though it also raises concerns about the outsized influence of corporate money in public policy.
+70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
The report details that Alibaba has spent significant sums on lobbying efforts and political contributions largely benefiting Democratic causes. From an anti-fascist perspective, supporting candidates and policies that oppose authoritarianism is a positive factor. However, the involvement of a major multinational in domestic political financing also raises concerns about transparency and the potential for undue corporate influence in policy-making. The overall score thus reflects a net positive impact in resisting authoritarianism despite inherent risks in corporate political activities.
Alibaba spends millions of dollars on U.S. lobbying and Democratic campaigns
- FEB092023
The article details Alibaba's extensive lobbying activities and political contributions in the U.S., highlighting multimillion-dollar spending, revolving door practices with former government officials, and potential implications for democratic accountability and authoritarian influence.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Alibaba has been involved in a significant political lobbying and campaign contribution campaign in Washington, spending over $2.5 million through hired lobbyists. The involvement of former government officials and the revolving door practices raise serious concerns about the company’s efforts to influence policy in ways that may undermine democratic processes and facilitate authoritarian practices.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-40
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
Alibaba executive engagement in political activities is evident through the actions of leaders like Eric Pelletier, whose past roles in government and active participation in political events raise concerns about undue influence and corporate interference in democratic processes. The lack of transparency regarding political contributions at these events further exacerbates these concerns.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
- FEB092023
An article by VOA details how Alibaba Group has engaged in extensive lobbying activities in Washington, spending millions on political contributions through employed lobbyists and former government officials, while also investing in media sponsorships. Additionally, accusations around the use of possibly repressive facial recognition technology add further concerns about its broader business practices.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
Alibaba’s significant spending on DC lobbying and campaign contributions, including indirect donations via its employees and its use of revolving door practices, raises serious concerns about its role in influencing U.S. policy in a manner that could bolster authoritarian ideologies. The involvement of former government officials and ties to Chinese state interests further exacerbates these issues.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-50
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 25
Allegations that Alibaba has developed and deployed facial recognition technologies which may be used to target Uyghur populations raise significant ethical concerns regarding its business practices and potential complicity in human rights abuses. Such practices undermine the company’s stance on ethical responsibility.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-20
Media Influence and Propaganda
March 25
Alibaba’s sponsorship of a range of U.S. news outlets and platforms, such as Axios and Semafor, indicates an attempt to shape media narratives in ways that may downplay its political activities or align with interests favorable to authoritarian regimes. This media strategy raises concerns about the manipulation of public discourse.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
- FEB092023
Alibaba Group has been reported to spend over $2.5M on U.S. lobbying efforts, leveraging a revolving door of former government officials and channeling political donations through its lobbyists. In addition, its sponsorship of media outlets and events raises concerns about corporate influence over independent journalism and political narratives, contributing to a broader pattern of corporate complicity in undermining democratic processes.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
February 9
Alibaba's extensive lobbying expenditures and the employment of lobbyists with former government ties indicate significant corporate efforts to influence U.S. political processes. Such activities raise serious concerns about corporate overreach in policymaking and the potential for democratic subversion, which aligns with authoritarian practices.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-30
Media Influence and Propaganda
February 9
Alibaba's involvement in media sponsorship, including backing prominent news outlets and hosting events with political figures, suggests an attempt to shape public discourse and influence political narratives. This financial entanglement with media initiatives blurs the line between corporate advertising and propaganda, contributing to potential undermining of independent journalism.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
- FEB092023
This event details how Alibaba has engaged in extensive lobbying and campaign contributions in Washington, D.C., utilizing a revolving door of former U.S. officials to influence policy and shape media narratives, raising questions about the company’s role in undermining democratic processes.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 27
Alibaba’s political donations and lobbying expenditures, totaling millions over recent years, exemplify a strategy to influence U.S. policy through contributions directed mainly through hired lobbyists and individuals with prior government ties. This practice, which operates under a revolving door dynamic, challenges transparent political engagement and raises significant concerns about undue influence that aligns with authoritarian practices.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-50
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
The event highlights significant executive political engagement through Alibaba’s hiring of former U.S. legislators and government staff, including individuals like Eric Pelletier, whose career moves between public office and lobbying raise concerns about conflicts of interest and influence peddling that undermine democratic accountability.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-40
Media Influence and Propaganda
March 27
Alibaba’s sponsorship of media outlets and events (such as those involving Semafor, Axios, and Politico) suggests an attempt to shape media narratives and potentially influence public opinion. Although advertisers claim no editorial interference, the close financial ties between Alibaba and news platforms raise concerns about media independence, which can contribute to the normalization of corporate influence in politics.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
- FEB092023
The article details Alibaba Group's significant spending on US lobbying, employing former government officials, as well as allegations concerning the development of facial recognition technology used to target Uyghurs and its sponsorship of media outlets. These actions raise concerns over potential undermining of democratic processes and support for authoritarian practices.
-60
Public and Political Behavior
March 18
Alibaba's extensive lobbying efforts, spending over $2.5 million in the US, and reliance on a revolving door of former government officials underscore its deep political engagement. These practices can undermine democratic accountability and facilitate access to power in ways that may support authoritarian interests.
-70
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 18
Accusations that Alibaba is developing facial recognition tools to identify Uyghurs indicate a troubling involvement with repressive technologies. Such tools can be used to surveil and control marginalized groups, aligning corporate actions with authoritarian suppression.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-40
Media Influence and Propaganda
March 18
Alibaba's sponsorship of influential US media outlets and events may compromise editorial independence, subtly shaping public discourse in a manner that reinforces narratives favorable to authoritarian influences.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
- FEB092023
The article reveals that Alibaba Group has been heavily involved in lobbying efforts in the United States, spending over $2.5 million on lobbying activities, employing lobbyists with former government ties, and channeling campaign contributions through individual stakeholders. These actions raise concerns about the company’s use of political influence, revolving door hiring practices, and sponsorship of political events which may undermine democratic processes and promote authoritarian influence.
-80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 25
Alibaba’s spending of over $2.5 million on U.S. lobbying, along with its use of lobbyists and former federal officials to influence policy on technology, trade, and other issues, indicates a robust attempt to shape political outcomes. This heavy involvement in political contribution channels, often via indirect means through individual stakeholders, is deeply concerning from an anti-fascist perspective, as it provides channels for authoritarian influence and undermines democratic accountability.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
-60
Executive Political Engagement
March 25
The article documents significant executive engagement in the political arena by Alibaba, including the employment of former Congressional staffers and government officials in key lobbying roles. This revolving door phenomenon not only grants Alibaba privileged access to policy-making circles but also blurs the line between public service and corporate interests, contributing to the undermining of democratic checks and balances.
China’s Alibaba Spends Big on DC Lobbying, Campaign Contributions
- JAN192023
State-backed entities have acquired tiny stakes in two Alibaba media-related subsidiaries, granting them veto power and representation on boards. This move is seen as part of Beijing’s broader efforts to control media narratives, raising concerns about authoritarian influence over digital communication platforms.
- SEP032021
Alibaba Group announced a significant investment of 100bn yuan by 2025 to support key areas such as subsidies for SMEs and improved insurance protection for gig economy workers, part of China's 'common prosperity' initiative. This move aims to address inequality and improve labor practices amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
+60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 18
The initiative includes targeted measures to improve labor conditions by enhancing insurance protection for delivery and ride-hailing workers, and offering subsidies to SMEs. This marks a positive shift in labor practices for Alibaba, despite past criticisms regarding worker treatment and monopolistic behavior.
China’s Alibaba to invest billions by 2025 for ‘common prosperity’
+40
Economic Collaboration
March 18
By committing significant funds towards the common prosperity fund, Alibaba aligns its economic practices with state-led initiatives aimed at reducing inequality. While this partnership with state policy could be seen as bolstering governmental authority, from a redistributive and anti-inequality standpoint it is a moderate positive move towards fairer economic practices.
China’s Alibaba to invest billions by 2025 for ‘common prosperity’
- DEC182020
Alibaba Group's cloud service trialed an ethnic-tagging feature to identify Uyghur minorities, a capability that raises concerns about enabling repressive surveillance technologies. Despite claims that it was only a test and the feature was later removed, the incident highlights the potential for corporate technology to facilitate ethnic profiling and state repression.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 25
Alibaba Cloud's development of a facial recognition service that could flag Uyghur individuals is deeply problematic in terms of repressive technologies. Its trial use of an ethnic tagging system contributes to surveillance practices that target minority communities and can be complicit in state repression. This aligns with concerns that technology can be misused to support authoritarian measures, making the score strongly negative.
- DEC172020
Alibaba has been reported for offering facial recognition services that enable ethnic profiling of the Uyghur minority, raising significant concerns over corporate complicity in state repression and human rights abuses.
-80
Technology and Services Impact
March 27
Alibaba provided facial recognition technology that specifically targets the Uyghur minority, contributing to widespread surveillance and repression. The subsequent deletion of related content from their website suggests an attempt to cover up this unethical deployment, implicating the firm in enabling authoritarian practices.
Alibaba the latest tech firm to use facial recognition to target the Uyghur minority in China
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
By deploying technology that facilitates racial profiling and potentially discriminatory practices, Alibaba exhibits compromised business ethics and a disregard for human rights. The company’s removal of information regarding the service further undermines its accountability, reflecting poor ethical responsibility in business practices.
Alibaba the latest tech firm to use facial recognition to target the Uyghur minority in China
- DEC172020
A report by IPVM and covered by Al Jazeera reveals that Alibaba's Cloud Shield system includes a feature that can identify Uighur individuals in a testing environment, raising concerns over its potential use in state surveillance and repression.
-70
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 25
Alibaba's Cloud Shield facial recognition technology reportedly contained a feature that could single out Uighur individuals during tests. Such a capability, even if not deployed in full production, points to potential complicity in the state's repressive surveillance practices against minority groups. This negative use of technological advancements directly supports authoritarian methods of control.
Alibaba facial recognition tech can identify Uighurs: Report
- DEC172020
Alibaba's Cloud Shield service reportedly included a testing feature to identify Uighurs, raising serious concerns over its potential use in state-sponsored repression and ethnic profiling.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
October 1
Alibaba's Cloud Shield technology was reported to include features capable of identifying individuals from the Uighur minority during testing phases. This capacity for targeted surveillance aligns with practices used in repressive regimes, potentially facilitating state-led ethnic profiling. Such use of technology critically undermines human rights and supports authoritarian methods, thereby earning a strongly negative score.
Alibaba facial recognition tech can identify Uighurs: Report
- JUN042019
Alibaba Group was implicated in funding companies that provide facial recognition technology used for repression in Xinjiang and its executive team has been linked to supporting authoritarian policies.
-80
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 27
Alibaba Group invested in companies like Megvii and SenseTime, which are known for developing and deploying facial recognition technology used in the surveillance and repression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. This funding supports repressive state practices and contributes to authoritarian control.
-40
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
Alibaba Group Executive Vice Chairman Joe Tsai has publicly defended policies associated with the Chinese government’s authoritarian practices, despite the company's funding links to repressive technology initiatives. This political engagement raises serious concerns about the company’s support for authoritarian policies.
- APR142019
Alibaba Group has been implicated in supporting repressive surveillance practices in Xinjiang by investing in U.S.-blacklisted AI companies that produce facial recognition technology used to monitor and control Uyghur Muslims. The company’s investments from 2017 to 2019 in firms like Megvii and SenseTime have raised concerns about its complicity in aiding state repression and ignoring human rights abuses. Additionally, executive actions and public statements by Alibaba leadership have failed to address these issues, drawing criticism from international watchdogs.
-40
Executive Political Engagement
March 27
Alibaba's executive leadership, notably Executive Vice Chairman Joe Tsai, has demonstrated a pattern of political engagement that supports authoritarian policies by defending controversial state actions (such as the Hong Kong security law) while remaining silent on human rights abuses in Xinjiang. This lack of accountability and failure to address repressive state measures reflects negatively on the company's public and political behavior.
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 27
By channeling investments into companies that develop technologies used for mass surveillance and repression in Xinjiang, Alibaba has engaged in business practices that ignore ethical responsibilities. The financial support provided to firms linked with human rights abuses reflects a prioritization of profit over ethical considerations and contributes indirectly to systemic oppression.
-85
Provision of Repressive Technologies
March 27
Alibaba’s financial involvement with companies such as Megvii and SenseTime, which are known for developing and deploying facial recognition technologies that facilitate state repression in Xinjiang, demonstrates a direct contribution to the provision of repressive technologies. This involvement has enabled intrusive surveillance practices that violate human rights and support authoritarian state control.
Alternatives
Ottawa, Canada
-26.11
Houston, United States
-28.33
Seattle, United States
-33.54
Nuremberg, Germany
64.60
Redmond, United States
55.59
Windsor, United States
53.92
San Francisco, United States
34.18
Dublin, Ireland
16.46
San Francisco, United States
14.28
Redmond, United States
10.20
Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2025
- $131.00B
- Total Assets
- 2025
- $240.00B
- Operating Income
- 2025
- $23.00B
- Total Equity
- 2025
- $95.00B
Employees: 250,000
Industries
- 423430
- Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
- 424120
- Stationery and Office Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- 518210
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
- 531210
- Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
- 531390
- Other Activities Related to Real Estate
- 541511
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- 541512
- Computer Systems Design Services
- 541519
- Other Computer Related Services
- 541613
- Marketing Consulting Services
- 541990
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 511210
- Software Publishers
- 454110
- Electronic Shopping
- 454111
- Electronic Shopping