Google has long been known for its “don’t be evil” code that employees live by, even though it’s been controversial every now and then. After all, “evil” is relative.
This has changed, though, with Alphabet. According to the new Code of Conduct, the company urges all employees and affiliates to “do the right thing”:
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. Comply with all applicable legal requirements and understand the major laws and regulations that apply to your work.
While it doesn’t seem to be very different from “don’t be evil”, it is now more specific, and less prone to misinterpretations when the company finds itself doing doing things that could be seen as evil by some.
