Company Directory - Google Play
Company Details - Google Play
Google Play
WebsiteMountain View, USA
Google Play is Google's digital distribution service for Android applications, games, music, movies, and in-app purchases. It serves as a platform for users to download and purchase digital content while providing developers with a global marketplace to distribute their applications.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Google Play
-27.29
0.02%
Latest Event
Google to Stop Serving Political Ads in EU
In response to the EU Regulation on Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA), Google announced that it will cease serving political ads in the European Union as of October 2025. The move, motivated by operational challenges and legal uncertainties, is seen as a step towards reducing the potential manipulation of political discourse and enhancing transparency in political communication.
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ACCOMPLICE
Google Play is currently rated as an Accomplice.
Latest Events
- OCT012025
In response to the EU Regulation on Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA), Google announced that it will cease serving political ads in the European Union as of October 2025. The move, motivated by operational challenges and legal uncertainties, is seen as a step towards reducing the potential manipulation of political discourse and enhancing transparency in political communication.
+80
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Google's decision to halt political advertising in the EU represents a significant shift in its approach to political communication. By removing its platform as a potential tool for manipulative political messaging, the company reduces risks of being complicit in propagating authoritarian narratives. This proactive measure aligns with a commitment to public transparency and reduced political influence.
+60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to ethical business practices by ensuring compliance with stringent EU regulations. Although driven by regulatory pressure, this decision minimizes legal ambiguities and supports a corporate stance that distances itself from potentially fueling divisive political manipulation, thereby enhancing its ethical responsibility.
+70
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
By stopping political advertising on its platforms, Google demonstrates an awareness of its technological influence on public discourse. This move aims to curb the potential spread of misinformation and the amplification of extremist content through targeted advertising algorithms, thereby safeguarding democratic engagement and promoting a healthier public information environment.
- MAR202025
Google reached a settlement of $28 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging racial pay disparities that adversely affected minority employees, reigniting debates on the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and fair labor practices amid broader shifts in DEI initiatives.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
The settlement highlights significant concerns regarding Google’s business practices and ethical responsibility. Allegations indicating systematic underpayment of minority employees, reliance on prior salaries that perpetuate historical inequities, and a rollback in robust diversity initiatives contribute to a negative score in this category.
Google Settles $28 Million Racial Pay Disparity Class-Action Lawsuit; DEI Policies Still Under Fire
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The allegations reveal potential systemic issues in labor relations and human rights practices at Google. The claims of discriminatory pay practices and retaliation against efforts to enhance workforce diversity indicate serious shortcomings in protecting worker rights and fostering an equitable workplace.
Google Settles $28 Million Racial Pay Disparity Class-Action Lawsuit; DEI Policies Still Under Fire
- MAR192025
Preliminary findings by EU Commission indicate that Google Play has engaged in self-preferencing and restrictive practices that limit competition and harm consumer choice, potentially undermining an open digital marketplace.
-75
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The EU's findings highlight that Google Play is favoring its own services by self-preferencing and imposing high, prolonged fees, which limits developer freedom and stifles competition. Such business practices reflect a disregard for ethical market behavior, contributing to a closed digital ecosystem that undermines innovation and fair trader practices.
Google Search, Play Store falling foul of Digital Markets Act rules, says EU
-70
Economic and Structural Influence
March 26
Google Play's practices reflect a misuse of its dominant market position to influence economic structures by restricting competition. The breach of the DMA demonstrates a strategic leverage over market conditions and curtailment of fair economic practices, thereby reinforcing entrenched hierarchical controls in the digital marketplace.
Google Search, Play Store falling foul of Digital Markets Act rules, says EU
- FEB202025
The article outlines comprehensive due diligence requirements and best practices for preventing human rights abuses in global supply chains. While these guidelines are pivotal for companies across industries, there is no direct evidence that Google Play, a digital distribution service, has either adopted robust supply chain oversight measures or faced controversies in this area. As a result, its practices in Supply Chain Ethics remain unclear, warranting a neutral assessment.
+0
Supply Chain Ethics
March 21
The article emphasizes the importance of rigorous supply chain due diligence to prevent human rights abuses and outlines evolving regulatory requirements. However, there is no specific indication that Google Play has implemented these practices or been criticized for neglecting them. In absence of clear evidence of proactive measures or failures, Google Play receives a neutral rating in Supply Chain Ethics.
Human rights in the Supply Chain – Prioritizing Third-Party Due Diligence and Ongoing Monitoring
- FEB192025
Based on OpenSecrets data, Google Inc – associated with Google Play Store – has engaged in substantial political lobbying and campaign contributions. The organization spent approximately $16.83M in lobbying in 2014 and $14.06M in 2013, with significant revolving door employment linking lobbyists with government positions. These activities raise concerns about the company's influence over policy-making and its potential complicity in bolstering authoritarian practices.
-60
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The OpenSecrets profile reveals that Google Inc has made substantial political contributions and engaged heavily in lobbying activities, with figures reaching $16.83M in 2014 and $14.06M in 2013. The presence of a significant revolving door, where a large proportion of lobbyists have previous government ties, suggests an effort to influence policy decisions that may undermine democratic accountability and contribute to authoritarian practices.
- FEB152025
Amid rising political and legal pressures under the Trump administration, Google has rolled back its previously championed DEI initiatives, including the removal of hiring targets tied to diversity. This move marks a significant retreat from its earlier commitments to foster an inclusive work environment.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
Google’s decision to de-prioritize DEI in response to political pressures demonstrates a shift in its public and political behavior. By scaling back these initiatives, the company signals a reluctance to push back against authoritarian influences that encourage a roll back of progressive inclusion efforts.
Google and Meta used to champion DEI efforts. Why Big Tech is pulling back.
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The rollback of DEI policies undermines ethical business practices by abandoning long-standing efforts towards diversity, equity, and inclusion. This move prioritizes compliance with politically influenced directives over maintaining robust ethical commitments to worker rights and equitable labor practices.
Google and Meta used to champion DEI efforts. Why Big Tech is pulling back.
- FEB062025
Google's revision of its Responsible AI Principles dilutes its previous strong stance against using technology for surveillance and other human rights abuses, signaling a move that could enable repressive applications of AI.
-70
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
By revising its Responsible AI Principles, Google has weakened its commitment to human rights. The removal of explicit safeguards against using technology for surveillance or other abuses indicates a shift in priorities that aligns with practices potentially complicit with authoritarian regimes. This erosion undermines the company's ethical responsibilities in business practices.
Google joins other tech giants in retreating from human rights commitments
-60
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
The revised Responsible AI Principles risk facilitating the deployment of technologies that can be used for surveillance and crowd control, contributing to the commodification of repressive capabilities. This approach prioritizes market competition over robust safeguards, potentially leading to impacts that undermine civil liberties and human rights globally.
Google joins other tech giants in retreating from human rights commitments
- FEB062025
Google shifted its longstanding Responsible AI Principles by removing bans on developing AI for weapons, potentially supporting national security ventures and militarization of AI. This change raises profound concerns about ethical responsibility, human rights, and the increasing role of technology in tools of repression.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
March 26
Google's pivot from its previous commitment to avoid developing AI for weapons to endorsing national security applications signifies a dangerous entanglement with political agendas that may facilitate authoritarian practices. This shift challenges the company’s public stance on human rights and freedom.
-60
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 26
The abandonment of strict ethical AI guidelines underpins a broader failure in upholding business practices and ethical responsibility. By shifting away from a commitment to 'do no harm', Google risks endorsing activities that could indirectly support militaristic and oppressive state mechanisms.
-70
Technology and Services Impact
March 26
The intention to develop AI that could be integrated into military applications signals a substantial risk in terms of technology's impact. This move potentially facilitates the deployment of repressive technologies that could undermine civil liberties and enable state-sponsored violence.
- FEB042025
Google overhauled its 2018 AI principles, removing language that banned technology for use in weapons and surveillance, raising concerns over enabling ethically problematic applications of AI.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Google's decision to remove a ban on AI technology for weaponry and surveillance represents a troubling shift in public and political behavior. This move undermines established ethical commitments and may inadvertently support authoritarian initiatives by enabling repressive state use of advanced technologies.
Google Lifts a Ban on Using Its AI for Weapons and Surveillance
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
By scrapping language that prevented the development of technologies for weapons, surveillance, or repression, Google is compromising on its ethical responsibilities. This decision suggests a willingness to prioritize competitive or strategic technological advancement over the adherence to established human rights norms.
Google Lifts a Ban on Using Its AI for Weapons and Surveillance
-70
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The easing of restrictions on AI use opens the door for the development and potential misuse of repressive technologies. This could facilitate surveillance and militarization practices that support authoritarian regimes, representing a significant negative impact under technology and services.
Google Lifts a Ban on Using Its AI for Weapons and Surveillance
- FEB042025
Google has removed a key promise from its AI Principles, which previously prohibited the development of technologies for weapons and surveillance. This reversal, announced in a recent blog post and detailed by CNN, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to ethical business practices and the potential enabling of repressive technologies.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
By revising its AI ethics policy to remove a clear prohibition on developing or using AI for weapons and surveillance, Google appears to be prioritizing strategic or commercial gains over its ethical commitments. This decision undermines trust and aligns the company more closely with practices that can enable authoritarian applications, echoing past controversies and employee dissent.
Google erases promise not to use AI technology for weapons or surveillance
-50
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
The updated AI policy removes longstanding safeguards against the use of artificial intelligence in developing surveillance tools and weaponry. This shift not only increases the risk of the technology being deployed in repressive ways but also undermines democratic values by potentially facilitating state-sponsored oppression and invasive monitoring.
Google erases promise not to use AI technology for weapons or surveillance
- FEB042025
Google has removed a key ethical pledge from its AI principles, previously promising to avoid the development of AI for weapons and surveillance. This decision, linked to its growing national security partnerships, raises concerns about the company's potential involvement in military and repressive technology development.
-60
Public and Political Behavior
March 23
Under the category of Public and Political Behavior, Google's reversal on its previous ethical stance signals a willingness to engage in national security partnerships that may support authoritarian surveillance and military applications. This change undermines public trust and democratic values, as it departs from previously stated commitments to restraint in AI development.
Google removes pledge to not use AI for weapons, surveillance
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 23
In the realm of Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility, the removal of this ethical commitment reflects a significant shift. By abandoning a core promise against the use of AI in harmful applications, Google weakens its ethical stance, potentially opening the door to collaborations that conflict with anti-authoritarian and human rights values.
Google removes pledge to not use AI for weapons, surveillance
-55
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
Focusing on Technology and Services Impact, this move raises red flags about the provision of repressive technologies. The dilution of previously strict AI ethical guidelines may enable technologies that can be repurposed for surveillance and weapons systems, aligning with authoritarian practices and posing risks to civil liberties.
Google removes pledge to not use AI for weapons, surveillance
- JAN202025
Google reached a $3.8M settlement to resolve claims of systemic pay discrimination and hiring bias affecting female and Asian applicants in software engineering positions at several U.S. locations.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The settlement reached with the U.S. Department of Labor highlights systemic issues within Google’s labor practices, particularly regarding compensation and hiring discrimination against female and Asian applicants in engineering roles. Such practices reflect a troubling disregard for worker rights and ethical business conduct, and from an anti-fascist perspective, contribute to a broader culture of inequality and exploitation.
- JAN072025
The NLRB has filed a complaint alleging that Google, through its handling of contractor workers hired via Accenture Flex, has failed to properly recognize its obligations as a joint employer, undermining union bargaining rights and labor protections.
-50
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
This complaint against Google highlights significant issues in labor relations. The National Labor Relations Board's action suggests that Google may be abdicating its responsibilities toward contractor workers by classifying them in a way that undermines their rights to union representation. Such practices can erode worker protections and strengthen authoritarian corporate practices by weakening labor's collective bargaining power.
Google faces new labor board complaint over contractor union bargaining
- JAN062025
A U.S. labor board complaint alleges that Google, by exerting control over contract workers provided by Accenture Flex, is avoiding required bargaining with unionized labor. This event highlights concerns over Google's labor practices and its broader implications for worker rights and democratic accountability.
-60
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 21
The complaint by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board underscores Google's resistance to engaging in collective bargaining with contract workers, a practice that undermines workers' rights and union strength. By altering working conditions and eliminating protections such as a minimum wage for contractors, Google appears to prioritize corporate interests over fair labor practices, reflecting a concerning alignment with authoritarian business methods that suppress worker empowerment.
Google should be forced to bargain with contractor's union ...
- JAN012025
Google's Supplier Code of Conduct outlines rigorous standards for its suppliers regarding fair labor practices, non-discrimination, and ethical supply chain management. Such policies help ensure that workers are treated with dignity and that suppliers comply with international human rights standards, countering practices associated with authoritarian exploitation.
+70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 23
The Supplier Code of Conduct places strong emphasis on fair labor practices and human rights. By demanding that suppliers maintain dignified working conditions and prohibit forced labor, Google clearly sets a positive standard that challenges exploitative practices often seen in authoritarian regimes.
+70
Supply Chain Ethics
March 23
The Code also mandates strict ethical sourcing and transparency throughout Google's supply chain. By enforcing such measures, the policy minimizes the risk of suppliers engaging in human rights abuses, aligning the company with anti-fascist values against exploitative and authoritarian economic practices.
- AUG152024
The Alphabet Workers Union has filed a charge with the NLRB alleging that Google’s management directive, issued by figures like Kent Walker, instructed employees to refrain from discussing internal litigation and labor conditions. This has raised concerns over the suppression of protected labor rights and potential retaliation against workers who raise ethical issues.
-70
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
Google (under the Alphabet umbrella) is accused of employing restrictive internal communications aimed at silencing employee discussion regarding its antitrust litigation and labor conditions. This directive, perceived as a form of retaliation against workers raising concerns, undermines labor rights and fair labor practices. Such actions signal a broader pattern of corporate behavior that inhibits employee free speech and suppresses labor activism, aligning with authoritarian practices.
- JAN052024
A CNN report on January 5, 2024, reveals that Google illegally refused to bargain with unionized YouTube Music workers, which highlights significant labor rights violations. The refusal to engage in collective bargaining reflects a corporate stance that undermines worker rights and may contribute to authoritarian practices by prioritizing shareholder interests over fair labor treatment.
-75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
Google's refusal to bargain with unionized YouTube Music workers, as ruled by the NLRB, demonstrates a disregard for labor rights and the collective bargaining process. This action undermines workers' ability to negotiate fair employment terms and is indicative of broader corporate practices aligned with authoritarian, profit-first agendas.
Google illegally refused to bargain with YouTube workers union, says federal labor board
- JAN032024
The NLRB ordered Google to recognize and bargain with a union after ruling that the company illegally failed to negotiate with YouTube contract workers, highlighting ongoing labor rights challenges within the organization.
-75
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 21
The NLRB decision indicates that Google (and by extension, its subsidiaries such as YouTube associated with Google Play) failed to engage in proper collective bargaining with unionized contract workers. This repeated practice undermines workers' rights and exemplifies a broader, anti-labor approach that can contribute to authoritarian corporate practices. The continued reliance on contractual arrangements to avoid union obligations is detrimental to fair labor practices and democratic worker rights.
- DEC312023
Google Sustainability’s statement demonstrates a robust commitment to ethical supply chain practices, modern slavery prevention, and humane labor conditions across its operations.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 21
Google’s statement emphasizes respecting workers and ensuring safe working conditions, reflecting a strong commitment to labor rights and human dignity in its operations.
+85
Supply Chain Ethics
March 21
The statement strongly underlines ethical supply chain standards by committing to transparency and compliance with international modern slavery laws, showcasing proactive measures to ensure responsible sourcing.
- OCT012023
OpenSecrets reveals that significant political contributions were funneled through the Google Inc PAC during the 2023-2024 election cycle. This disclosure raises concerns about corporate political influence and the potential reinforcement of power structures that align with authoritarian practices.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
Large individual and institutional contributions to the Google Inc PAC suggest a deep entanglement between corporate financial power and political influence. Such financial engagements risk undermining democratic accountability by bolstering political agendas that may favor authoritarian practices, reflecting a concerning trend in corporate political behavior.
- AUG032023
Allegations have emerged that Alphabet Inc., the parent company associated with Google, engaged in allegedly illegal termination of contract workers during unionization efforts. The action, which targeted workers contributing to Google’s services, raises serious concerns about labor rights and ethical business practices within the broader Alphabet ecosystem, reflecting negatively on affiliated operations such as Google Play.
-80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
The allegations detail the retaliatory termination of contract workers who were attempting to unionize, a clear violation of labor laws that protect workers’ rights. Such practices not only undermine the welfare of the workers but also contribute to a broader pattern of corporate behavior that can be complicit in authoritarian practices by suppressing labor organization. This negative labor relations practice reflects poorly on the ethical responsibility of the company and its associated bodies.
- JUN302023
Google Play Store’s 2024 Supplier Responsibility Report outlines progress on several 2023 supplier projects, demonstrating efforts to enhance ethical sourcing and improve labor practices within its supplier network.
+60
Supply Chain Ethics
March 23
The report provides insights into Google Play Store's initiatives to ensure a more responsible and ethical supply chain. By addressing supplier practices and labor rights issues, the company showcases a commitment to transparency and responsible business practices that align with anti-fascist values. This proactive measure in supply chain ethics works to mitigate the risks of labor exploitation and supports fair labor standards.
- JUL162021
An article in The Hill reports that tech executives, including those from Google, have made significant political donations amid a broader lobbying push against antitrust legislation. This influx of campaign contributions reflects strategic political engagement aimed at shaping favorable regulatory outcomes for tech giants, raising concerns about corporate influence over democratic processes.
-50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The article highlights how Google executives, among other tech leaders, contributed nearly $92,000 to a prominent political campaign during a critical period of lobbying. These political donations, aimed at influencing legislation and countering antitrust measures, demonstrate the use of corporate wealth to shape political outcomes in a manner that consolidates power and undermines democratic accountability. Such actions align with concerns over corporate complicity in enabling authoritarian practices.
Tech executives increased political donations amid lobbying push - The Hill
- JAN042021
Over 225 Google employees launched the Alphabet Workers Union in a landmark move to claim better working conditions and address deep-seated issues ranging from racially segregated employment practices to executive misconduct. This unionization represents a significant pushback against oppressive corporate practices and a stride toward greater worker empowerment.
+80
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 26
The unionization effort led by Google employees is a major advancement in labor rights, directly challenging longstanding issues including discriminatory employment structures and executive policies that have marginalized workers. This positive move towards collective bargaining and transparent labor practices aligns with anti-fascist values by confronting top-down oppressive corporate dynamics and supports broader efforts to resist authoritarian economic practices.
- NOV032020
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has significantly increased his political contributions and in‑kind support, funneling millions to Democratic campaigns and funding technology initiatives like STAC Labs. This move reinforces democratic processes and stands in stark opposition to authoritarian practices.
+80
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 23
The event highlights the extensive political contributions made by former CEO Eric Schmidt, channeling substantial funds to Democratic campaigns and progressive causes. Such financial engagement demonstrates a clear stance against authoritarianism by bolstering democratic institutions and processes.
Former Google CEO emerges as key Democratic power player ahead of midterms
+70
Technology and Services Impact
March 23
Alongside his political donations, Schmidt’s funding of STAC Labs and related technology initiatives has enhanced the analytical and technological capabilities of Democratic campaigns. This investment in technology supports transparent and effective democratic participation, countering the tools of suppression favored by authoritarian forces.
Former Google CEO emerges as key Democratic power player ahead of midterms
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