Day: 13 January 2012

“Not Condoned” ⇥

T.C. Sottek, for The Verge:

They stressed that it’s a very specific issue in one local office, and that the behavior was not authorized by Google — our source says that “as a company, Google was not aware of it,” and that the action was “not condoned.”

Google should be respected for being honest, open and forthcoming. They didn’t blame this on anyone, but rather took ownership of the issue. But the actions of their employees when done in the name of the company still represent that company, and Google is ultimately responsible for that. In the end, this is still a black mark.

The Google-Kenya Ripoff ⇥

Cory Doctorow:

Google — or people working on its behalf, with its knowledge and cooperation — took the numbers of tens of thousands of Kenyan businesses from Mocality’s database, then fraudulently solicited money from them by claiming to be in a joint venture with Mocality.

Don’t be evil.

Apple’s 2012 Supplier Responsibility Report ⇥

This year’s report is even more thorough than in years’ past. Apple says they audited 80% more suppliers in 2011 than the year prior, and the report demonstrates those findings. This year’s report also includes a list of their suppliers (PDF), which I don’t believe has been previously disclosed. Notably absent is Corning, the company behind Gorilla Glass which has long been assumed is the glass in the iPhone.

It’s not all perfect. Only 38% of facilities are providing adequate disclosure of, and are compliant with Apple policies regarding employee working hours. A number of facilities also practiced discrimination against pregnant women, were inadequately paying workers, or weren’t providing the required benefits. Apple has taken steps to correct these oft-offensive problems, and hopefully next year’s report will reflect that.