Three of the world’s largest technology companies have stopped releasing their yearly diversity reports, ending a practice they began in 2014. Google, Microsoft and Meta have decided not to publish updates on the gender and racial makeup of their workforces this year, even as several industry peers continue to share such data.
According to a technology publication, Google which helped set the standard for releasing diversity equity and inclusion reporting has no plans to disclose its numbers this year. Microsoft and Meta representatives confirmed to the publication that they will also not release diversity reports. Microsoft chief spokesperson Frank Shaw said the company is not doing “a traditional report this year as we have evolved beyond that to formats that are more dynamic and accessible,” adding that the company’s “mission and commitment to our culture and values remain unchanged.”
Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton confirmed that the company will not release a report this year and provided no additional details.
Google’s move marks a shift from its earlier position. The company began publishing diversity data in 2014 after requests from civil rights advocates including Rev Jesse Jackson and his advocacy organisation. Many other technology companies followed later that year. At the time, Google executive Laszlo Bock wrote, “It is hard to address these kinds of challenges if you are not prepared to discuss them openly, and with the facts.” Google went on to publish eleven reports from 2013 through 2023, with the final update released in June 2024. Meta shared data from 2014 through 2022. Microsoft issued its last update in October 2024.
The broader conversation around diversity shifted after President Donald Trump returned to office in January. He directed federal agencies to “combat illegal private sector DEI preferences mandates policies programs and activities,” with the possibility of legal action or penalties for companies seen as prioritising identity over merit. Following this order, major employers including Meta and Google suspended minority hiring targets and removed references to diversity equity and inclusion from some of their public documents.
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