Data from The Conference Board and ESGAUGE indicates a decline in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) references within corporate regulatory filings. Through April 2026, 34.3% of S&P 500 companies referenced gender as a qualifying factor in filings, a decrease from 61.3% the previous year. References to race also dropped to 34% from 60.9% in 2025. Anuj Saush of The Conference Board characterized the shift as a "recalibration" of how companies disclose diversity practices rather than a complete removal of the programs.
In legal developments, Meta Platforms faces a lawsuit from 26 former employees in Oakland, California. The plaintiffs allege the company used AI software that disproportionately targeted workers with disabilities or those on medical leave during recent layoffs. Meta has stated the claims are without merit. Additionally, a U.S. District Judge dismissed a class action lawsuit against Apple regarding child sexual abuse material on iCloud, citing federal protections for online service providers.
The business landscape also saw reports from the BlueGreen Alliance claiming that clean energy policy changes under the Trump administration have resulted in $83 billion in delayed or canceled project investments. In Europe, ten countries, including Italy and Poland, are formally requesting a reconsideration of the European Union's proposal to implement new carbon pricing on fuel. Additionally, Google is currently appealing a €1.7 billion EU antitrust fine related to its AdSense platform.