The war against COVID-19 can not be fought single-handedly and requires every sector to contribute as much as they can. The 'Big Tech' that includes Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, has been actively contributing in this regard, and with the influence that they have on the economy, it is crucial that they play their part.
Actions Taken by Big Tech
In today's infographic, we will have an insight into the financial efforts made so far by each of the companies to help relieve the effects of the ongoing pandemic. This includes providing grants to small businesses as well as fact-checking news, providing research for healthcare, and relief efforts like public safety and donations.
Alphabet
When it comes to finding reliable news and resources regarding the pandemic and more, Google is the go-to site for many. Google's parent company Alphabet has contributed a total of $856.5 M that includes millions of dollars for advertising credits to small businesses, funds for Google News Initiative to back media and fact-checks as well as donations for COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Facebook is a major platform for information along with socializing but misinformation is just as common there. During the pandemic, even a small piece of false information can have an adverse effect. To combat this, Facebook has spent about $2 M in donations to fact-checking organizations as well as large sums of money to support local media outlets. In total, Facebook has donated $248 M so far.
Amazon
With lockdown and social distancing becoming the new common, people have heavily moved towards e-commerce for all their shopping needs. Amazon has made notable efforts over the past few weeks that include supporting Seattle businesses as well as providing urgent grants to local businesses and vulnerable communities. Amazon has also provided 800 laptops to public schools in Seatle and raised the pay of many workers. Amazon's donations as of now are $72 M in total.
Microsoft
Technology has a major role to play for tracking COVID-19 and the actions being taken to eradicate it. In response, Microsoft has heavily funded AI for Health and donated $1M for relief which contributes to the tech giant's total donation of $27.5 M.
Apple
Apple has donated $15 M for public relief efforts in China as well as other regions. It has also donated 20 million masks to health care workers and is working on manufacturing about 1 million face shields every week.
Here's a detailed overview of all the steps taken by the biggest names in technology as the world takes on the pandemic.
Infographic by: visualcapitalist.com
