The hottest Corporate ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

There are no heroes in commercial AI

Marcus on AI • 13872 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Commercial AI leaders often use hype to raise money, overpromise on AGI timelines, and prioritize growth over clear accountability.
  2. Using large language models in high‑stakes settings like military targeting can cause deadly errors, and putting humans 'in the loop' doesn’t stop mistakes when operators are overloaded or overtrust the AI.
  3. Companies claim to care about safety but sometimes abandon pledges, rely on dubious training practices like scraping copyrighted work, and push fragile, hard‑to‑secure agent systems that create real negative side effects.

Dario Amodei isn't the hero we need

Nonzero Newsletter • 688 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Dario Amodei showed courage standing up to the Pentagon, but he’s not a pacifist. He supports using advanced AI to defend democracies and has said fully autonomous weapons can have legitimate uses.
  2. Anthropic has abandoned its core Responsible Scaling Policy and will release models even when it isn’t confident in their safety, so Amodei’s image as an unwavering AI-safety champion is overstated.
  3. The real problem is systemic: big AI firms are already defense contractors and contract language like “all lawful uses” won’t guarantee respect for international law or prevent harmful military uses, so lasting change needs policy and regulation, not just individual standoffs.

Google Is Now the East India Company of the Internet

The Honest Broker • 38864 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Google has become a powerful force in the digital world, much like the East India Company was for trade in the past. It controls key connections or 'links' that affect how users and businesses interact online.
  2. Just like the East India Company faced backlash for its ruthless business practices, Google is also experiencing growing resentment from users and governments who feel exploited and manipulated.
  3. The story of the East India Company's rise and fall serves as a warning for Google. Unchecked greed and ambition can lead to eventual downfall, and history shows that those who gain too much power often attract a pushback.

An Unforced Error; Try Not to Make Em

Points And Figures • 772 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. Don’t mix politics into your product or use customer data for political causes, because it easily alienates users and can sink a startup.
  2. Keep your ego in check; overconfidence and not listening lead to avoidable mistakes and failure.
  3. Lead by serving others: take responsibility, lift your team, pay attention to details, and learn by following before trying to lead.

How Instagram Broke Its Promise to Protect Teens

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 162 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Instagram publicly promised to remove graphic self-harm content from searches, hashtags, and recommendations.
  2. Despite that promise, its algorithm kept surfacing self-harm and eating‑disorder content, leaving teens exposed to vast amounts of harmful posts like many tagged #weightloss.
  3. Newly unsealed internal documents show executives knew the platform was still failing and were worried about being exposed, suggesting the company focused on damage control rather than fully fixing the problem.
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Google, 2001: Don’t Be Evil

Marcus on AI • 6481 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Google's original motto was 'Don't Be Evil,' but that seems to have changed significantly by 2025. This shift raises concerns about the company's intentions and actions involving powerful AI technologies.
  2. The current landscape of AI development is driven by competition and profits. Companies like Google feel pressured to prioritize making money over ethical considerations.
  3. There is fear that as AI becomes more powerful, it may end up in the wrong hands, leading to potentially dangerous applications. This evolution reflects worries about how society and businesses are dealing with AI advancements.

Labor Laundering

Doomberg • 6490 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. Many electronic devices use cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where child labor is often involved in mining. This makes it hard for companies to claim their supply chains are free from issues.
  2. China plays a major role in the solar panel supply chain, often using polysilicon that comes from regions known for forced labor. This creates challenges in ensuring products are ethically sourced.
  3. The EU has introduced a law aimed at holding companies accountable for labor and environmental standards, but this could lead to conflicts, such as threats from Qatar to stop gas exports if they face penalties.

UnitedHealth’s self-dealing is accelerating

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 899 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Corporate ethics
  1. UnitedHealth is increasingly making money through its own subsidiaries, which means it's doing more business with itself. This raises concerns about whether patients are getting the best options and quality of care.
  2. A significant portion of UnitedHealth's revenue comes from internal transactions with its subsidiary, Optum. This could limit competition and hurt other healthcare providers.
  3. Using its own doctors and services helps UnitedHealth avoid spending obligations meant for patient care, potentially leading to reduced quality for patients.

AI-driven job loss risks socialism

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate ethics
  1. Companies are focusing on efficiency with AI, which may lead to job losses and hurt people's livelihoods. It's important to think about how this change impacts society as a whole.
  2. The rise of AI might allow senior employees to rely less on junior staff for tasks, but this could lead to a lack of opportunities for new workers trying to enter the job market.
  3. If businesses prioritize cost-cutting over mentoring new employees, it could create long-term economic issues and a workforce that struggles to support itself in the future.

Don't be evil*

benn.substack • 920 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. Google succeeded for a long time because it was run by good people, or maybe because it just made such a great product that they didn't need to cut corners.
  2. When businesses are struggling, they might feel tempted to act unethically just to survive, but that's often because they don't have enough resources rather than failing morals.
  3. High ambitions can often lead companies to change in ways they didn't expect, sometimes moving away from their original ideals while trying to succeed.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

A B’Old Woman • 619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate ethics
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Health insurers have spent over $141 billion buying back their own shares since 2007 while premiums and deductibles have skyrocketed

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Corporate ethics
  1. Health insurers have spent about $141 billion on buying back their own shares since 2007. This means money that could help lower premiums is going to make executives richer instead.
  2. As health insurers buy back shares, premiums and deductibles for customers have gone up a lot. Many people are struggling with high medical debts while companies focus on profits.
  3. There are efforts to change laws around stock buybacks, but so far, nothing has passed. Many believe that these buybacks hurt workers and families instead of helping them.

The Big Seven health insurers spent $26.2 billion buying back their own stocks in 2022 to enrich CEOs, shareholders

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Corporate ethics
  1. The Big Seven health insurers spent $26.2 billion on buying back their stocks in just one year, which mostly benefited wealthy shareholders and CEOs.
  2. Despite making over $69 billion in profits in 2022, many Americans are struggling with high medical debt due to high-deductible insurance plans.
  3. Instead of helping patients, the focus remains on increasing share prices, leading to calls for legislation that could tax stock buybacks and support patients with their medical expenses.

Exposing Big Tech’s Complicity in Genocide | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 226 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Many big tech companies are accused of censoring information about the situation in Gaza, with some employees losing their jobs for speaking out against this censorship.
  2. Employees from companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Apple report that there are double standards when it comes to moderating content, often suppressing pro-Palestinian voices while allowing anti-Palestinian sentiments to thrive.
  3. Some tech companies are deeply involved in supporting military actions in Israel, providing necessary technology and services that could be used in the ongoing conflict.

Episode 104: This is Absurd!

Disaffected Newsletter • 339 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate ethics
  1. A Pfizer consultant was caught saying the company is changing the Covid virus for profit, which raises serious ethical questions.
  2. There's a noticeable link between being a white liberal woman and experiencing mental health issues, which has sparked important discussions.
  3. People in America are censoring themselves more than ever in conversations, and this new norm needs to be recognized as a problem.

"Confessions of a Former Carrier Executive": my keynote address at the 2023 YOU Powered Symposium

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Corporate ethics
  1. Big health insurance companies mainly focus on making their shareholders richer, often at the expense of patients.
  2. The speaker shared personal experiences from a career in the industry, highlighting the luxury lifestyle financed by policyholders and taxpayers.
  3. Despite record profits for insurance companies, many American families remain uninsured or underinsured.

H-1B and Cheap Foreign Labor

The Reactionary • 126 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate ethics
  1. H-1B visas are often used to hire foreign workers for cheaper labor, which can push American workers out of their jobs. This situation makes it hard for American employees to compete.
  2. Many people believe that the push for foreign labor means Americans aren't as skilled, but studies show that it's often not true. U.S. workers have proven their worth in many tech companies.
  3. To fix the situation, it's suggested that we end the H-1B program and focus on supporting American workers while still letting in truly exceptional talent through other visa types.

The Republic of Walmart

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 26 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate ethics
  1. Big corporations in America often find ways to avoid paying taxes, leaving regular individuals to pay more. This creates an unfair burden on the average taxpayer.
  2. Janet Yellen is working on a plan to make sure that these big companies pay at least a minimum tax, no matter where they operate. This could help level the playing field for everyone.
  3. Tax havens and loopholes allow companies to dodge paying their fair share, which hurts the economy and public services. Reforming these systems is important for financial fairness.

✅ Edelman and the trust business

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 19 Jan 23
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. People are losing faith in institutions due to disinformation and economic issues. Only businesses are seen as ethical and competent right now.
  2. Edelman uses its Trust Barometer to guide public relations practices, but it also faces criticism for not being transparent about its own issues, like its work with high-emission clients.
  3. While Edelman’s Trust Barometer is valuable for the PR industry, it's important to also question its methods and ethics to ensure trust and understanding.

Let's Replacebook

Diane Francis • 239 implied HN points • 07 Oct 21
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. Facebook has been in trouble for its harmful effects, especially on teenagers. Reports say Instagram can be damaging to young girls, and the company knew about it but did nothing.
  2. There is growing concern about the impact of social media on mental health. Many people believe that platforms like Instagram contribute to issues such as anxiety and depression among teens.
  3. Some are calling for alternatives to Facebook and Instagram. They want social networks that prioritize safety and well-being over profit.

Obsolescence Pays: The Epson Printer Saga Continues

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. Printer companies like Epson use software tactics to hinder repairability and push customers to buy new products, impacting consumer choice and environmental sustainability.
  2. Companies like Epson create narratives around complexity and danger to deter customers from repairing their devices, steering them towards buying new models or using authorized repair services.
  3. Advocating for longer-lasting, repairable products and changing the incentives for companies built on waste and obsolescence can help reduce e-waste and promote sustainable consumption in the electronics industry.

OpenAI’s Lies and Half-Truths

Marcus on AI • 76 HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Corporate ethics
  1. OpenAI has been accused of not being completely candid in their communications and responses to questions.
  2. There have been instances where OpenAI's statements may not accurately reflect their true intentions or actions.
  3. Concerns have been raised about OpenAI's transparency regarding their data training sources, financial matters, regulation views, and future plans.

11 Things I Learned About Fraudsters

European Straits • 27 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. Always check the facts. Fraudsters often lie about who they've talked to or what approvals they have, so it’s important to verify their claims.
  2. Be careful of boundary violations. Fraudsters are great at manipulating people to help them, often by exploiting their weaknesses or feelings of loyalty.
  3. Don't ignore warning signs just because things seem chaotic. Fraudsters can use disorder to divert attention from their actual wrongdoings.

Company Culture and Leadership

Fish Food for Thought • 13 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Corporate ethics
  1. A company's culture often reflects its leadership. If leaders ignore ethics, the whole organization can suffer as a result.
  2. Leaders must take accountability for their company's actions. Not addressing unethical behavior can lead to major problems down the line.
  3. Creating a safe space for employees to speak up is important. When employees feel heard, it helps prevent small issues from becoming large scandals.