Alphabet Code Of Conduct Does Not Include ‘Don’t Be Evil’

Google’s Code of Conduct has famously talked about not being evil for many years. It begins like this: “Don’t be evil.” Googlers generally apply those words to how we serve our users. But ...
Alphabet Code Of Conduct Does Not Include ‘Don’t Be Evil’
Written by Chris Crum
  • Google’s Code of Conduct has famously talked about not being evil for many years. It begins like this:

    “Don’t be evil.” Googlers generally apply those words to how we serve our users. But “Don’t be evil” is much more than that. Yes, it’s about providing our users unbiased access to information, focusing on their needs and giving them the best products and services that we can. But it’s also about doing the right thing more generally – following the law, acting honorably and treating each other with respect.

    The Google Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put “Don’t be evil” into practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at Google will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct. We set the bar that high for practical as well as aspirational reasons: Our commitment to the highest standards helps us hire great people, build great products, and attract loyal users. Trust and mutual respect among employees and users are the foundation of our success, and they are something we need to earn every day.

    Back in August, Google announced a new corporate structure in which it becomes part of new parent company Alphabet. That went into effect late last week.

    With Alphabet now official, there’s a new Alphabet Code of Conduct, and it doesn’t say “Don’t be evil.” Rather, it just says to “Do the right thing.” Here’s the full text:

    Alphabet Code of Conduct

     

    Preface

     
    Employees of Alphabet and its subsidiaries and controlled affiliates (“Alphabet”) should do the right thing – follow the law, act honorably, and treat each other with respect.
     
    We expect all of our employees and Board members to know and follow this Code of Conduct. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Any waivers of this Code for directors or executive officers must be approved by our Board.
     
    Never retaliate against anyone who reports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of the Code.
     
    If you are employed by a subsidiary or controlled affiliate of Alphabet, please comply with your employer’s code of conduct. If your employer doesn’t have its own code of conduct, if you have a question or concern about this Code or believe that someone may be violating it, or if you want to remain anonymous, you can make a report of a suspected violation or concern through our Helpline. 

    I. Avoid Conflicts of Interest

     
    A conflict of interest may arise any time competing loyalties could cause you to pursue a personal benefit for you, your friends, or your family at the expense of Alphabet or our customers. Avoid conflicts of interest and circumstances that reasonably appear to be a conflict. Sometimes a situation that previously didn’t present a conflict of interest may develop into one.
     
    When faced with a potential conflict, ask yourself:

       

    • Would this activity create an actual or apparent incentive for me to benefit myself, my friends, or my family?
    •  

    • Would this activity harm my reputation or hurt my ability to do my job?
    •  

    • Would this activity embarrass Alphabet or me if it showed up in the press?

     
    If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” the relationship or situation is likely to constitute a conflict of interest, and you should avoid it. 

    II. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility

     
    Ensure that money is appropriately spent, our financial records are complete and accurate, and our internal controls are honored.
     
    If your job involves the financial recording of our transactions, make sure that you’re familiar with all relevant policies, including those relating to revenue recognition.
     
    Never interfere with the auditing of financial records. Similarly, never falsify any company record or account.
     
    If you suspect or observe any irregularities relating to financial integrity or fiscal responsibility, no matter how small, immediately report them. 

    III. Obey the Law

     
    Comply with all applicable legal requirements and understand the major laws and regulations that apply to your work. A few specific laws are easy to violate unintentionally and so are worth pointing out here. If you have any questions about these laws or other laws governing our work, please consult the Helpline or our legal counsel. 

    1. Trade Controls

       
      Various trade laws control where we can send or receive our products and services. These laws are complex and apply to: 

      • importing and exporting goods to or from the United States and other countries
      •  

      • exporting services or providing services to non-U.S. persons
      •  

      • exporting technical data, especially data originating in the U.S.

       
      If you are involved in sending or making available products, services, software, equipment, or technical data from one country to another, work with your manager to ensure that the transaction stays within the bounds of applicable laws.

    2.  

    3. Competition Laws

       
      Be sure you follow all laws designed to promote free and fair competition and protect consumers. These laws generally prohibit 1) arrangements with competitors that restrain trade, 2) abuse of market power to unfairly disadvantage competitors, and 3) misleading or harming consumers.  Some of these laws carry civil and criminal penalties for individuals and companies.

    4.  

    5. Insider Trading Laws

       
      Do not use non-public information to buy or sell stock, or to pass it along to others so that they may do so. That could constitute the crime of insider trading.
       
      Familiarize yourself with Alphabet’s Insider Trading Policy. It describes policies that address the risks of insider trading, such as: 

      • a prohibition on hedging Alphabet stock
      •  

      • periodic blackout windows when you may not trade Alphabet stock
    6.  

      Anti-Bribery Laws

       
      Various laws that prohibit bribery in different settings. Our rule is simple – don’t bribe anybody, at any time, for any reason.
       
      Non-government relationships. Be careful when you give gifts and pay for meals, entertainment or other business courtesies on behalf of Alphabet. Avoid the possibility that the gift, entertainment or other business courtesy could be perceived as a bribe. Provide such business courtesies infrequently and, when you do, to keep their value moderate.
       
      Dealings with government officials. Various laws prohibit seeking to influence official action by offering or giving anything of value to government officials, candidates for public office, employees of government-owned or -controlled companies, public international organizations, or political parties. Avoid not only traditional gifts, but also things like meals, entertainment, travel, political or charitable contributions, and job offers for government officials’ relatives. With pre-approval, it may be permissible to make infrequent and moderate expenditures for gifts and business entertainment for government officials that are directly tied to promoting our products or services (e.g., a modest meal at a day-long demonstration of our products).

     

    IV. Conclusion

     
    We rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect all Board members and employees to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code.
     
    Adopted October 2, 2015

    Alphabet Inc. is now a publicly traded company. Shares are up in Monday morning trading.

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