The Google Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put Google’s values 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. Respect for our users, for the opportunity, and for each other are foundational to our success, and are something we need to support every day.
So please do read the Code and Google’s values, and follow both in spirit and letter, always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage other Googlers to incorporate, the principles of the Code and values into our work. And if you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow Googlers or the company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. We want – and need – to hear from you.
Who Must Follow Our Code?
We expect all of our employees and Board members to know and follow the Code. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment. Moreover, while the Code is specifically written for Google employees and Board members, we expect members of our extended workforce (temps, vendors, and independent contractors) and others who may be temporarily assigned to perform work or services for Google to follow the Code in connection with their work for us. Failure of a member of our extended workforce or other covered service provider to follow the Code can result in termination of their relationship with Google.
Employees and extended workforce members must complete in a timely fashion all trainings that are required for their roles.
What If I Have a Code-Related Question or Concern?
If you have a question or concern, don’t just sit there. You can contact your manager, your Human Resources representative or Ethics & Business Integrity. You can also submit a question or raise a concern of a suspected violation of our Code or any other Google policy through the Alphabet Helpline. If you believe a violation of law has occurred, you can always raise that through the Alphabet Helpline or with a government agency.
If you have a misconduct concern about the CEO, a direct report to the CEO, or a Senior Vice President, you may also notify the Audit Committee of Alphabet’s Board of Directors. To notify the Audit Committee, please mail your concern to:
Alphabet Inc.
Attn: Workplace Concern
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
You may report your concerns to the Audit Committee anonymously. However, the Audit Committee encourages you to provide your name and contact information so that we may contact you directly if necessary.
No Retaliation
Google prohibits retaliation against any worker here at Google who reports or participates in an investigation of a possible violation of our Code, policies, or the law. If you believe you are being retaliated against, please contact to Ethics & Business Integrity.
I. Serve Our Users
Our users value Google not only because we deliver great products and services, but because we hold ourselves to a higher standard in how we treat users and operate more generally. Keeping the following principles in mind will help us to maintain that high standard:
1. Integrity
Our reputation as a company that our users can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continually earn that trust. All of our communications and other interactions with our users should increase their trust in us.
2. Usefulness
Our products, features, and services should make Google more useful for all our users. We have many different types of users, from individuals to large businesses, but one guiding principle: “Is what we are offering useful?”
3. Privacy, Security, and Freedom of Expression
Always remember that we are asking users to trust us with their personal information. Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy and security of that information. Our security procedures strictly limit access to and use of users’ personal information, and require that each of us take measures to protect user data from unauthorized access. Know your responsibilities under these procedures, and collect, use, and access user personal information only as authorized by our Security Policies, our Privacy Policies, and applicable data protection laws.
Google is committed to advancing privacy and freedom of expression for our users around the world. Where user privacy and freedom of expression face government challenges, we seek to implement internationally recognized standards that respect those rights as we develop products, do business in diverse markets, and respond to government requests to access user information or remove user content. Contact Legal or Ethics & Business Integrity if you have questions on implementing these standards in connection with what you do at Google.
4. Responsiveness
Part of being useful and honest is being responsive: We recognize relevant user feedback when we see it, and we do something about it. We take pride in responding to communications from our users, whether questions, problems, or compliments. If something is broken, fix it.
5. Take Action
Any time you feel our users aren’t being well-served, don’t be bashful - let someone in the company know about it. Continually improving our products and services takes all of us, and we’re proud that Googlers champion our users and take the initiative to step forward when the interests of our users are at stake.
II. Support and Respect Each Other
A. Our principles
As part of Alphabet, Google has an unwavering commitment to prohibiting and effectively responding to harassment, discrimination, misconduct, abusive conduct, and retaliation. To that end, Google adheres to these Guiding Principles:
Commitment: Google sets a tone at the top of commitment to a respectful, safe, and inclusive working environment for all employees and members of the extended workforce.
Care: Google creates an environment with an emphasis on respect for each individual at all levels of the organization, including specifically by offering assistance and showing empathy to employees and members of the extended workforce throughout and after the complaint process.
Transparency: Google is open and transparent as an organization regarding the frequency with which complaints arise regarding harassment, discrimination, misconduct, abusive conduct, and retaliation, and the Company’s approach to investigating and responding to those allegations.
Fairness & Consistency: Google ensures that individuals are treated respectfully, fairly, and compassionately in all aspects of Alphabet interactions and applies policies, procedures, and outcomes consistently regardless of who is involved.
Accountability: Google holds all individuals responsible for their actions, and ensures that where appropriate, those individuals hold others accountable too.
B. Our practice
Consistent with the Principles, Googlers are expected to do their utmost to create a supportive work environment, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential, and be free from harassment, intimidation, bias, and unlawful discrimination.
Please read the Employee Handbook relevant to your locale. Located in the Human Resources section of our internal corporate site, the Handbook covers in greater detail how we should conduct ourselves at work.
1. Equal Opportunity Employment
Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.
2. Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying
Google prohibits discrimination, harassment and bullying in any form – verbal, physical, or visual, as discussed more fully in our Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation. If you believe you’ve been bullied, harassed, or discriminated against by anyone at Google, or by a Google partner or vendor, we strongly encourage you to immediately report the incident to your supervisor, Human Resources or both. Similarly, supervisors and managers who learn of any such incident should immediately report it to Human Resources. Human Resources will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action.
3. Drugs and Alcohol
Our position on substance abuse is simple: It is incompatible with the health and safety of our employees, and we don’t permit it. Consumption of alcohol is not banned at our offices, but use good judgment and never drink in a way that leads to impaired performance or inappropriate behavior, endangers the safety of others, or violates the law. Illegal drugs in our offices or at sponsored events are strictly prohibited. If a manager has reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee’s use of drugs and/or alcohol may adversely affect the employee’s job performance or the safety of the employee or others in the workplace, the manager may request an alcohol and/or drug screening. A reasonable suspicion may be based on objective symptoms such as the employee’s appearance, behavior, or speech.
4. Safe and Healthy Workplace
We are committed to a safe, healthy, and violence-free work environment. Behavior that poses risk to the safety, health, or security of Googlers, our extended workforce, or visitors is prohibited. If you become aware of a risk to the safety, health, or security of our workplace, you should report it to Google Security immediately. If it is life-threatening or an emergency, call your local police, fire, or other emergency responders first, and then report it to Google Security.
5. Dog Policy
Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture. We like cats, but we’re a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out. However, before bringing your canine companion to the office, please make sure you review our Dog Policy.
III. Avoid Conflicts of Interest
When you are in a situation in which competing loyalties could cause you to pursue a personal benefit for you, your friends, or your family at the expense of Google or our users, you may be faced with a conflict of interest. All of us should avoid conflicts of interest and circumstances that reasonably present the appearance of a conflict.
When considering a course of action, ask yourself whether the action you’re considering could create an incentive for you, or appear to others to create an incentive for you, to benefit yourself, your friends or family, or an associated business at the expense of Google.If the answer is “yes,” the action you’re considering is likely to create a conflict of interest situation, and you should avoid it.
Below, we provide guidance in seven areas where conflicts of interest often arise:
- Personal investments
- Outside employment, advisory roles, board seats, and starting your own business
- Business opportunities found through work
- Inventions
- Friends and relatives; co-worker relationships
- Accepting gifts, entertainment, and other business courtesies
- Use of Google products and services
In each of these situations, the rule is the same – if you are considering entering into a business situation that creates a conflict of interest, don’t. If you are in a business situation that may create a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest, review the situation with your manager and Ethics & Business Integrity. Finally, it’s important to understand that as circumstances change, a situation that previously didn’t present a conflict of interest may present one.
Personal Investments
Avoid making personal investments in companies that are Google competitors or business partners when the investment might cause, or appear to cause, you to act in a way that could harm Google.
When determining whether a personal investment creates a conflict of interest, consider the relationship between the business of the outside company, Google’s business, and what you do at Google, including whether the company has a business relationship with Google that you can influence, and the extent to which the company competes with Google. You should also consider 1) any overlap between your specific role at Google and the company’s business, 2) the significance of the investment, including the size of the investment in relation to your net worth, 3) whether the investment is in a public or private company, 4) your ownership percentage of the company, and 5) the extent to which the investment gives you the ability to manage and control the company. Investments in venture capital or other similar funds that invest in a broad cross-section of companies that may include Google competitors or business partners generally do not create conflicts of interest. However, a conflict of interest may exist if you control the fund’s investment activity.
Outside Employment, Advisory Roles, Board Seats, and Starting Your Own Business
Avoid accepting employment, advisory positions, or board seats with Google competitors or business partners when your judgment could be, or could appear to be, influenced in a way that could harm Google. Additionally, because board seats come with fiduciary obligations that can make them particularly tricky from a conflict of interest perspective, you should notify your manager before accepting a board seat with any outside company. Google board members and employees who are VP and above should also notify Ethics & Business Integrity. Finally, do not start your own business if it will compete with Google.
Business Opportunities Found Through Work
Business opportunities discovered through your work here belong first to Google, except as otherwise agreed to by Google.
Inventions
Developing or helping to develop outside inventions that a) relate to Google’s existing or reasonably anticipated products and services, b) relate to your position at Google, or c) are developed using Google corporate resources may create conflicts of interest and be subject to the provisions of Google’s Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement and other employment agreements. If you have any questions about potential conflicts or intellectual property ownership involving an outside invention or other intellectual property, consult Ethics & Business Integrity or Legal.
Personal Relationships at Work
Certain relationships within Google may compromise or be seen to compromise your ability to perform your job responsibilities, may create uncomfortable or conflicted positions, and may raise issues of fairness, favoritism, or harassment. Therefore, be mindful of how your relationships within Google could impact or be perceived by others. Romantic, physical or familial relationships are not permitted between a Googler and another Googler or member of the extended workforce where one individual is in a position to exercise authority or supervision over the other. This prohibition includes any situation where one person is in the reporting line of the other, or, for example, a situation where one person is a project or a technical lead on a project on which the other person is working. For more information, see the Policy on Personal Relationships at Work.
Accepting Gifts, Entertainment, and Other Business Courtesies
Accepting gifts, entertainment, and other business courtesies from a Google competitor or business partner can easily create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if the value of the item is significant. Google’s Non-Government Related Gifts & Client Entertainment Policy provides specific guidance on when it is appropriate for Googlers to accept gifts, entertainment, or any other business courtesy (including discounts or benefits that are not made available to all Googlers) from any of our competitors or business partners.
Generally, acceptance of inexpensive “token” non-cash gifts is permissible. In addition, infrequent and moderate business meals and entertainment with clients and infrequent invitations to attend local sporting events and celebratory meals with clients can be appropriate aspects of many Google business relationships, provided that they aren’t excessive and don’t create the appearance of impropriety. Before accepting any gift or courtesy, consult the Non-Government Related Gifts & Client Entertainment Policy, and be aware that you may need to obtain manager approval.
Contact Ethics & Business Integrity if you have any questions. See the discussion of Anti-Bribery Laws in Section VII(d) for guidance on when it is appropriate to give gifts and business courtesies in the course of doing Google business.
Use of Google Products and Services
Avoiding potential conflicts of interest also means that you should not use Google products, services, internal tools, or information in a way that improperly benefits you or someone you know or creates the appearance that you have an unfair advantage over users outside of Google. For example, you should never approve Google accounts, services, or credits for yourself, your friends, or family members. Similarly, you should not use the tools, information, or access that you have as a Googler to participate in or to generate a financial benefit for yourself or others from invalid ad traffic (IVT) on Google products, such as generating IVT, purchasing or selling IVT (except for the purposes of company sanctioned research), or linking to (or appearing to link to) business partners that may be engaging in IVT. If you find yourself subject to a conflict of interest regarding the use of Google’s products, services, tools, or information, discuss the situation with your manager, Legal, or Ethics & Business Integrity.
Reporting
Ethics & Business Integrity will periodically report to the Google Compliance Steering Committee all matters involving Google officers – VPs and above – approved under this section of the Code, and will periodically report to the Google Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee all matters involving Google executive officers and Board members approved under this section.
IV. Preserve Confidentiality
We get a lot of press attention around our innovations and our culture, and that’s usually fine. However, certain kinds of company information, if leaked prematurely into the press or to competitors, can hurt our product launches, eliminate our competitive advantage and prove costly in other ways. Our responsibilities extend beyond not revealing Confidential Google material – we must also:
- properly secure, label, and (when appropriate) dispose of Confidential Google material;
- safeguard Confidential information that Google receives from others under non-disclosure agreements;
- take steps to keep our trade secrets and other confidential intellectual property secret.
1. Confidential Information
Make sure that information that is classified as “Need to Know” or “Confidential” in Google’s Data Classification Guidelines is handled in accordance with those Guidelines and Google’s Data Security Policy. At times, a particular project or negotiation may require you to disclose Need to Know or Confidential information to an outside party: Disclosure of that information should be on an “only as needed” basis and only under a non-disclosure agreement. In addition, Google policy may require a prior security assessment of the outside party that is to receive the confidential information. Be sure to conduct the appropriate due diligence and have the appropriate agreement in place before you disclose the information.
There are, of course, “gray areas” in which you will need to apply your best judgment in making sure you don’t disclose any confidential information. Suppose a friend who works at a non-profit organization asks you informally how to improve the Google search ranking of the group’s website: Giving your friend site-optimization tips available in public articles and on websites isn’t likely to be a problem, but giving tips that aren’t publicly known definitely would be. If you’re in a gray area, be cautious in what advice or insight you provide or, better yet, ask for guidance from Ethics & Business Integrity.
And don’t forget about pictures you and your guests take at Google – it is up to you to be sure that those pictures don’t disclose confidential information.
Finally, some of us will find ourselves having family or other personal relationships with people employed by our competitors or business partners. As in most cases, common sense applies. Don’t tell your significant other or family members anything confidential, and don’t solicit confidential information from them about their company.
2. Google Partners
Just as you are careful not to disclose confidential Google information, it’s equally important not to disclose any confidential information from our partners. Don’t accept confidential information from other companies without first having all parties sign an appropriate Non-disclosure Agreement approved by Legal. Even after the agreement is signed, try only to accept as much information as you need to accomplish your business objectives.
3. Alphabet and “Other Bet” data
Be sure to protect confidential information of Alphabet or of any Alphabet or Google subsidiary or affiliate (“Alphabet companies”). You may have access to confidential information through collaborations, rotations, 20% projects with another Alphabet company, access to Alphabet buildings or networks, or simply through casual interactions. Don’t access or use confidential information of other Alphabet companies except when authorized and reasonably necessary for valid business purposes within the scope of your work at Google. Take all reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of any such information just as you would for Google confidential information.
Don’t disclose any confidential information about any Alphabet company, including financial, partner, business, technical, or IP information, before obtaining appropriate sign-off from Legal, which may include getting consent from affected Alphabet companies.
4. Competitors/Former Employers
We respect our competitors and want to compete with them fairly. But we don’t want their confidential information. The same goes for confidential information belonging to any Googler’s former employers. If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s or former employer’s confidential information, don’t do it. Should you happen to come into possession of a competitor’s confidential information, contact Legal immediately.
5. Outside Communications
You probably know that our policy is to be extremely careful about disclosing confidential proprietary information. Consistent with that, you should also ensure your outside communications (including online and social media posts) do not disclose confidential proprietary information or represent (or otherwise give the impression) that you are speaking on behalf of Google unless you’re authorized to do so by the company. The same applies to communications with the press. Finally, check with your manager and Corporate Communications before accepting any public speaking engagement on behalf of the company. In general, before making any external communication or disclosure, you should consult our Employee Communications Policy and our Communications and Disclosure Policy.
V. Protect Google’s Assets
Google has a well-earned reputation for generosity with our employee benefits and openness with confidential information shared within the company. Our ability to continue these practices depends on how well we conserve company resources and protect company assets and information.
1. Intellectual Property
Google’s intellectual property rights (our trademarks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, “know- how”, and patents) are among our most valuable assets. Unauthorized use can lead to their loss or serious loss of value. You must respect all copyright and other intellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights, trademarks, and brands. You must never use Google’s (or its affiliated entities’) logos, marks, or other protected information or property for any business or commercial venture without pre-clearance from the Marketing Team. We strongly encourage you to report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos, or other Google intellectual property to Legal.
Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose Google and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties. Please seek advice from Legal before you solicit, accept, or use proprietary information from individuals outside the company or let them use or have access to Google proprietary information. You should also check with Legal if developing a product that uses content not belonging to Google.
A word about open source – Google is committed to open source software development. Consistent with our policy of respecting the valid intellectual property rights of others, we strictly comply with the license requirements under which open source software is distributed. Failing to do so may lead to legal claims against Google, as well as significant damage to the company’s reputation and its standing in the open source community. Please seek guidance from Legal and the Open Source Programs Office before incorporating open source code into any Google product, service, or internal project.
2. Company Equipment
Google gives us the tools and equipment we need to do our jobs effectively, but counts on us to be responsible and not wasteful with the Google stuff we are given. Nobody’s going to complain if you snag an extra bagel on Friday morning, but company funds, equipment, and other physical assets are not to be requisitioned for purely personal use. Not sure if a certain use of company assets is okay? Please ask your manager or Human Resources.
3. The Network
Google’s communication facilities (which include both our network and the hardware that uses it, like computers and mobile devices) are a critical aspect of our company’s property, both physical and intellectual. Be sure to follow all security policies. If you have any reason to believe that our network security has been violated – for example, you lose your laptop or smart phone or think that your network password may have been compromised – please promptly report the incident to Information Security. For more information, consult Google’s Security Policy.
4. Physical Security
If you’re not careful, people may steal your stuff. Always secure your laptop, important equipment, and your personal belongings, even while on Google’s premises. Always wear your badge visibly while on site. Don’t tamper with or disable security and safety devices. If you see someone in a secure space without a badge, report that, and any other suspicious activity, to Google Security. For more information, review Google’s Physical Security Policy.
Use of Google’s Equipment and Facilities
Anything you do using Google’s corporate electronic facilities (e.g., our computers, mobile devices, network, etc.) or store on our premises (e.g., letters, memos, and other documents) might be disclosed to people inside and outside the company. For example, Google may be required by law (e.g., in response to a subpoena or warrant) to monitor, access, and disclose the contents of corporate email, voicemail, computer files, and other materials on our electronic facilities or on our premises. In addition, the company may monitor, access, and disclose employee communications and other information on our corporate electronic facilities or on our premises where there is a business need to do so, such as protecting employees and users, maintaining the security of resources and property, or investigating suspected employee misconduct.
5. Employee Data
We collect and store personal information from employees around the world. Access this data only in line with local law and Google internal policies, and be sure to handle employee data in a manner that is consistent with Google’s Data Classification and Employment Data Guidelines and other Google policies.
VI. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility
Financial integrity and fiscal responsibility are core aspects of corporate professionalism. This is more than accurate reporting of our financials, though that’s certainly important. The money we spend on behalf of Google is not ours; it’s the company’s and, ultimately, our shareholders’. Each person at Google – not just those in Finance – has a role in making sure that money is appropriately spent, our financial records are complete and accurate, and internal controls are honored. This matters every time we hire a new vendor, expense something to Google, sign a new business contract, or enter into any deals on Google’s behalf.
To make sure that we get this right, Google maintains a system of internal controls to reinforce our compliance with legal, accounting, tax, and other regulatory requirements in every location in which we operate.
Stay in full compliance with our system of internal controls, and don’t hesitate to contact Ethics & Business Integrity or Finance if you have any questions. What follows are some core concepts that lie at the foundation of financial integrity and fiscal responsibility here at Google.
1. Spending Google’s Money
A core Google value has always been to spend money wisely. When you submit an expense for reimbursement or spend money on Google’s behalf, make sure that the cost is reasonable, directly related to company business, and supported by appropriate documentation. Always record the business purpose (e.g., if you take someone out to dinner on Google, always record in our expense reimbursement tool the full names and titles of the people who attended as well as the reason for the dinner) and comply with other submission requirements. If you’re uncertain about whether you should spend money or submit an expense for reimbursement, check with your manager. Managers are responsible for all money spent and expenses incurred by their direct reports, and should carefully review such spend and expenses before approving.
Signing a Contract
Each time you enter into a business transaction on Google’s behalf, there should be documentation recording that agreement, approved by the Legal Department. Signing a contract on behalf of Google is a very big deal. Never sign any contract on behalf of Google unless all of the following are met:
- You are authorized to do so under our Signature Authority and Approval Policy. If you are unsure whether you are authorized, ask your manager
- The contract has been approved by Legal. If you are using an approved Google form contract, you don’t need further Legal approval unless you have made changes to the form contract or are using it for other than its intended purpose
- You have studied the contract, understood its terms and decided that entering into the contract is in Google’s interest
All contracts at Google should be in writing and should contain all of the relevant terms to which the parties are agreeing – Google does not permit “side agreements,” oral or written.
2. Recording Transactions
If your job involves the financial recording of our transactions, make sure that you’re fully familiar with all of the Google policies that apply, including our Revenue Recognition Policy and our Purchasing Policy.
Immediately report to Finance any transactions that you think are not being recorded correctly.
3. Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities
It goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) that you should never, ever interfere in any way with the auditing of Google’s financial records. Similarly, you should never falsify any record or account, including time reports, expense accounts, and any other Google records.
Familiarize yourself with our Reporting of Financial and Accounting Concerns Policy. If you suspect or observe any of the conduct mentioned above or, for that matter, any irregularities relating to financial integrity or fiscal responsibility, no matter how small, immediately report them to Ethics & Business Integrity.
4. Hiring Suppliers
As Google grows, we enter into more and more deals with suppliers of equipment and services. We should always strive for the best possible deal for Google. This almost always requires that you solicit competing bids to make sure that you’re getting the best offer. While price is very important, it isn’t the only factor worth considering. Quality, service, reliability, and the terms and conditions of the proposed deal may also affect the final decision. Please do not hesitate to contact the Purchasing Team if you have any questions regarding how to procure equipment or services.
5. Retaining Records
It’s important that we keep records for an appropriate length of time. The Google Records Retention Policy suggests minimum record retention periods for certain types of records. These are great guidelines, but keep in mind that legal requirements, accounting rules, and other external sources sometimes specify longer retention periods for certain types of records, and those control where applicable. In addition, if asked by Legal to retain records relevant to a litigation, audit, or investigation, do so until Legal tells you retention is no longer necessary. If you have any questions regarding the correct length of time to retain a record, contact the Records Retention Team.
VII. Obey the Law
Google takes its responsibilities to comply with laws and regulations very seriously and each of us is expected to comply with applicable legal requirements and prohibitions. While it’s impossible for anyone to know all aspects of every applicable law, you should understand the major laws and regulations that apply to your work. Take advantage of Legal and Ethics & Business Integrity to assist you here. A few specific laws are easy to violate unintentionally and so are worth pointing out here:
1. Trade Controls
U.S. and international trade laws control where Google can send or receive its products and/or services. These laws are complex, and apply to:
- imports and exports from or into the U.S.
- imports and exports of products from or into other countries, with additional concerns when those products contain components or technology of U.S. origin
- exports of services or providing services to non-U.S. persons
- exports of technical data, especially when the technical data is of U.S. origin
What constitutes an “import” or “export” under the law is pretty broad. For example:
- exposing or allowing access by non-U.S. persons to U.S. technical data can be an “export”, regardless of what country the exposure occurred in
- sending a server from one country (“country X”) into another country (“country Y”) is an export from country X and an import into country Y
- permitting the download of software from one country (“country X”) into another country (“country Y”) is an export from country X
- transporting technical data or software on your laptop, or tools or equipment in your luggage, may be an export and import
The bottom line: If you are in any way involved in sending or making available Google products, services, software, equipment, or any form of technical data from one country to another, work with your manager to be absolutely sure that the transaction stays well within the bounds of applicable laws. If you or your manager are not sure, please contact Global Trade Compliance.
2. Competition Laws
Most countries have laws – known as “antitrust,” “competition,” or “unfair competition” laws – designed to promote free and fair competition. Generally speaking, these laws prohibit 1) arrangements with competitors that restrain trade in some way, 2) abuse of intellectual property rights, and 3) use of market power to unfairly disadvantage competitors.
Certain conduct is absolutely prohibited under these laws, and could result in your imprisonment, not to mention severe penalties for Google.
Examples of prohibited conduct include:
- agreeing with competitors about prices
- agreeing with competitors to rig bids or to allocate customers or markets
- agreeing with competitors to boycott a supplier or customer
Other activities can also be illegal, unfair, or create the appearance of impropriety. Such activities include:
- sharing competitively sensitive information (e.g., prices, costs, market distribution, etc.) with competitors
- entering into a business arrangement or pursuing a strategy with the sole purpose of harming a competitor
- using Google’s size or strength to gain an unfair competitive advantage
Although the spirit of these laws is straightforward, their application to particular situations can be quite complex.
Google is committed to competing fair and square, so please contact Competition Compliance if you have any questions about the antitrust laws and how they apply to you. Any personnel found to have violated Google’s Global Competition Policy will, subject to local laws, be disciplined, up to and including termination of employment. If you suspect that anyone at the company is violating the competition laws, notify Ethics & Business Integrity immediately.
3. Insider Trading Laws
As we said earlier, internally we share information, including non-public information, about Google’s business operations pretty freely (think of TGIF). In addition, you may overhear a hallway conversation or come across a memo at a copy machine, either of which might involve confidential information. To use this nonpublic information to buy or sell stock, or to pass it along to others so that they may do so, could constitute insider trading. Insider trading not only violates this Code, it violates the law. Don’t do it.
You should familiarize yourself with Google’s Insider Trading Policy. It describes company- wide policies that address the risks of insider trading, such as a prohibition on any Google employee hedging Google stock; and periodic blackout windows when no Google employee may trade Google stock.
4. Anti-bribery Laws
Like all businesses, Google is subject to lots of laws, both U.S. and non-U.S., that prohibit bribery in virtually every kind of commercial setting. The rule for us at Google is simple – don’t bribe anybody, anytime, for any reason.
5. Non-government relationships
You should be careful when you give gifts and pay for meals, entertainment, or other business courtesies on behalf of Google. We want to avoid the possibility that the gift, entertainment, or other business courtesy could be perceived as a bribe, so it’s always best to provide such business courtesies infrequently and, when we do, to keep their value moderate. Consult Google’s Non-Government Related Gifts and Client Entertainment Policy before providing any business courtesies and contact Ethics & Business Integrity if you have any questions.
6. Dealing with government officials
Offering gifts, entertainment, or other business courtesies that could be perceived as bribes becomes especially problematic if you’re dealing with a government official. “Government officials” include any government employee; candidate for public office; or employee of government-owned or -controlled companies, public international organizations, or political parties. Several laws around the world, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act, specifically prohibit offering or giving anything of value to government officials to influence official action or to secure an improper advantage. This not only includes traditional gifts, but also things like meals, travel, political or charitable contributions, and job offers for government officials’ relatives. Never give gifts to thank government officials for doing their jobs. By contrast, it can 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., providing a modest meal at a day-long demonstration of Google products). Payment of such expenses can be acceptable (assuming they are permitted under local law) but may require pre-approval from Ethics & Business Integrity under Google’s Anti-Bribery and Government Ethics Policy.
The U.S. also has strict rules that severely limit the ability of a company or its employees to give gifts and business courtesies to a U.S. government official and also limit the official’s ability to accept such gifts. The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act prohibits giving any gifts, including travel and other courtesies, to Members, Officers, and employees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives unless they fit within one of a number of specific exceptions. Gifts to employees of the U.S. executive branch are also regulated and subject to limits. Finally, state and local government officials in the U.S. are also subject to additional legal restrictions. Consult Google’s Anti-Bribery and Government Ethics Policy before giving any such gifts or business courtesies and obtain all required pre-approvals. In sum, before offering any gifts or business courtesies to a U.S. or other government official, you should consult Google’s Anti-Bribery and Government Ethics Policy. Carefully follow the limits and prohibitions described there, and obtain any required pre-approvals. If after consulting the Policy you aren’t sure what to do, ask Ethics & Business Integrity.
VIII. Conclusion
Google aspires to be a different kind of company. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our company. We expect all Googlers to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code. Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your manager, Legal or Ethics & Business Integrity.
And remember... don’t be evil, and if you see something that you think isn’t right – speak up!
Last updated January 17, 2024