Google has decided to play a game of corporate hide-and-seek with terms like “diversity” and “equity”. Yes, you read that right, the tech giant just wiped these buzzwords off the webpage for its Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology (RAI-HCT) team faster than you can say “cancel culture”.

A quick peek at older versions of the webpage revealed Google’s commitment to terms like “marginalized communities,” and “underrepresented groups”. But now? It’s all vague platitudes like “all,” “varied,” and “numerous”. Because who needs clarity when you run a trillion-dollar company? Clearly, understanding the nuances of diversity is too much work for these tech titans.

And if you thought this was a one-off mistake, think again! Earlier in the year, Google removed similar terms from its Startups Founders Fund grant website. Their recent initiative to eliminate diversity hiring targets brought us to this particular cringe fest. And while they’re busy erasing the lexicon of inclusivity, let’s not pretend they’re alone. Big players like Amazon, META, and OpenAI have also jumped on the bandwagon, backtracking on their diversity initiatives as if they’re trying out for a role in a dystopian tech movie.

Of course, this decision comes on the heels of the current political climate, where these companies, having contracts with federal agencies, are eyeing diversity efforts with renewed skepticism. Remember good ol’ Trump’s administration, which managed to stir a backlash against DEI programs? Looks like the fear of government scrutiny has these tech giants scrambling to distance themselves from accountability.

Meanwhile, Apple seems to be the lone wolf, giving a big, sassy middle finger to shareholder proposals to end its DEI programs. Go, Apple? Someone’s got to keep the flag flying high for inclusivity while the likes of Google and Amazon keep their heads down, trying to dodge bad PR.

If we’ve learned anything from this cavalcade of corporate nonsense, it’s this: If you’re going to tout values of accountability and equity, you might want to put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise, just be real, there’s no need to pretend you care when it’s painfully obvious that you don’t.