Tech giants Meta, Google, and Microsoft quietly end a decade of openness on workforce diversity. They now halt annual reports that once revealed gender and racial breakdowns in their teams. This discontinuation of diversity disclosures marks a sharp U-turn, sparked by U.S. political winds. Since 2014, these documents tracked slow progress in an industry long criticised for lacking representation. As competitors like Apple and Amazon keep sharing data, this move raises alarms about accountability in Silicon Valley. A Wired probe uncovers how pressure from the Trump administration pushes these firms toward secrecy.
Google kicked off the trend in 2014. Civil rights leaders, including Rev. Jesse Jackson, urged the company to go public with its numbers. Google agreed and released 11 reports from 2013 to 2023. Meta followed with data through 2022, while Microsoft dropped its last update in October 2024. Leaders once praised the practice. Google’s then-HR chief Laszlo Bock wrote that openness helps solve tough issues. Now, all three confirm no more reports this year.
Political Heat Fuels Discontinuation of Diversity Disclosures
The White House’s return under President Donald Trump in January 2025 changed everything. Trump directs federal agencies to probe “illegal private-sector DEI preferences.” This targets companies that favor diversity in hiring or promotions, with possible penalties. Big Tech responds fast. Google and Meta scrub DEI words from public files, cut minority hiring targets, and rethink programs.
Companies offer slim explanations. Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw claims they “evolved beyond” old reports. They now use internal videos and stories for updates. Meta stays silent on reasons. Critics slam the shift. Without data, they say, firms dodge real change.
Key details emerge in bullets:
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- Google’s Lead Role: Pioneered reports in 2014; latest covered 2023 data.
- Meta’s Track Record: Shared stats from 2014-2022; no 2023 or 2024 release.
- Microsoft’s Pivot: Last report in October 2024; switches to “dynamic formats.”
- Broader Backlash: Firms drop DEI goals amid Trump probes.
This discontinuation of diversity disclosures clouds the future. Tech vows steady commitments, but experts warn accountability fades without numbers. As Nvidia and others hold firm, watch how this ripples across the sector. Brands that prioritise transparency may gain trust in 2026’s job market.
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