The Court rejected Cisco's argument that domestic corporations cannot be sued under the Alien Tort Statute, a law allowing non-U.S. citizens to bring tort claims that violate international law in U.S. courts.
USA: Supreme Court hears Cisco appeal to halt lawsuit over its alleged role in surveillance in China
USA: Supreme Court ends lawsuit against Cisco over alleged role in enabling Chinese government surveillance and persecution of Falun Gong members
USA: Supreme Court hears Cisco appeal to halt lawsuit over its alleged role in surveillance in China
The Court rejected Cisco's argument that domestic corporations cannot be sued under the Alien Tort Statute, a law allowing non-U.S. citizens to bring tort claims that violate international law in U.S. courts.
USA: Supreme Court ends lawsuit against Cisco over alleged role in enabling Chinese government surveillance and persecution of Falun Gong members
USA: Supreme Court ends lawsuit against Cisco over alleged role in enabling Chinese government surveillance and persecution of Falun Gong members - Business and Human Rights Centre
The Court rejected Cisco's argument that domestic corporations cannot be sued under the Alien Tort Statute, a law allowing non-U.S. citizens to bring tort claims that violate international law in U.S. courts.
USA: Supreme Court hears Cisco appeal to halt lawsuit over its alleged role in surveillance in China - Business and Human Rights Centre
In October, Cisco also had to take its public DevHub portal offline after a threat actor known as IntelBroker leaked "non-public" data on the BreachForums hacking forum.
Cisco has disclosed that cybercriminals stole the basic profile information of users registered on Cisco.com following a voice phishing (vishing) attack that targeted a company representative.
Corporate conductAllegationAgainst
Cisco is accused of using coercion to maintain monopoly
Cisco is accused of using coercion to maintain monopoly according to Law360.
Cisco Systems Inc. told a Texas federal court that Dexon Computer Inc.'s antitrust claims against it are based on legitimate conduct, such as telling customers the networking equipment supplier is not an authorized reseller, and urged the court to nix the claims ahead of trial.
Through business practices such as these, or so Dexon alleged in the suit, Cisco coerced customers not to purchase from resellers such as itself, and forced customers to pay more for products.
Corporate conductSettlementAgainst
Cisco Systems agreed to pay $48 million to settle False Claims Act allegations involving false claims to the General Services Administration (GSA)
Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America (formerly d.b.a. Comstor) have agreed to pay the United States $48 million to settle claims that they made misrepresentations to the General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal agencies in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.
Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America (formerly d.b.a. Comstor) have agreed to pay the United States $48 million to settle claims that they made misrepresentations to the General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal agencies in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.
Today’s civil settlement resolves the United States’ assertions that Cisco and Westcon knowingly provided incomplete information to GSA contracting officers during negotiations in regard to Westcon’s contract with the GSA, which resulted in defective pricing of Cisco products and submission of false claims to the United States.
Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America (formerly d.b.a. Comstor) have agreed to pay the United States $48 million to settle claims that they made misrepresentations to the General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal agencies in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today.
CISCO SYSTEMS AND WESTCON GROUP NORTH AMERICA PAY $48 MILLION TO SETTLE FALSE CLAIMS ACT ALLEGATIONS WASHINGTON -- Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America (formerly d.b.a. Comstor) have agreed to pay the United States $48 million to settle claims that they made misrepresentations to the General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal agencies in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. Today’s civil settlement resolves the United States’ assertions that Cisco and Westcon knowingly provided incomplete information to GSA contracting officers during negotiations in regard to Westcon’s contract with the GSA, which resulted in defective pricing of Cisco products and submission of false claims to the United States.
WASHINGTON -- Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America (formerly d.b.a. Comstor) have agreed to pay the United States $48 million to settle claims that they made misrepresentations to the General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal agencies in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. Today’s civil settlement resolves the United States’ assertions that Cisco and Westcon knowingly provided incomplete information to GSA contracting officers during negotiations in regard to Westcon’s contract with the GSA, which resulted in defective pricing of Cisco products and submission of false claims to the United States.
PAY $48 MILLION TO SETTLE FALSE CLAIMS ACT ALLEGATIONS WASHINGTON -- Cisco Systems and Westcon Group North America (formerly d.b.a. Comstor) have agreed to pay the United States $48 million to settle claims that they made misrepresentations to the General Services Administration (GSA) and other federal agencies in violation of the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced today. Today’s civil settlement resolves the United States’ assertions that Cisco and Westcon knowingly provided incomplete information to GSA contracting officers during negotiations in regard to Westcon’s contract with the GSA, which resulted in defective pricing of Cisco products and submission of false claims to the United States.
Today’s civil settlement resolves the United States’ assertions that Cisco and Westcon knowingly provided incomplete information to GSA contracting officers during negotiations in regard to Westcon’s contract with the GSA, which resulted in defective pricing of Cisco products and submission of false claims to the United States.
Cisco Systems, Inc. “Overcharging the government results in waste of taxpayer dollars,” said Brian D.
Ukraine & RussiaConfirmedYou decide
Cisco contributes $4.2M to Ukraine humanitarian fund
Cisco employees, the Cisco Foundation, and Cisco Corporate contributed $4.2 million to the dedicated Ukraine humanitarian assistance fund as of June 3.
Cisco employees, the Cisco Foundation and Cisco Corporate; as well as non-Cisco employees, have contributed $4.2M+ USD to the dedicated Cisco Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance Fund so far (June 3rd data).
Deploy specific projects leveraging Cisco’s NetAcad program to help displaced Ukrainian, in particular high school students and women, enhance their technology skills.
Cisco and Cisco Foundation donated $2.7M USD in cash grants to NGOs in Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia; UN HCR, UN World Food Programme; International NGOs
Cisco employees, the Cisco Foundation and Cisco Corporate; as well as non-Cisco employees, have contributed $4.2M+ USD to the dedicated Cisco Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance Fund so far (June 3rd data).
Deploy specific projects leveraging Cisco’s NetAcad program to help displaced Ukrainian, in particular high school students and women, enhance their technology skills.
Cisco and Cisco Foundation donated $2.7M USD in cash grants to NGOs in Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia; UN HCR, UN World Food Programme; International NGOs
Cisco employees, the Cisco Foundation and Cisco Corporate; as well as non-Cisco employees, have contributed $4.2M+ USD to the dedicated Cisco Ukraine Humanitarian Assistance Fund so far (June 3rd data).
Deploy specific projects leveraging Cisco’s NetAcad program to help displaced Ukrainian, in particular high school students and women, enhance their technology skills.
Cisco and Cisco Foundation donated $2.7M USD in cash grants to NGOs in Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia; UN HCR, UN World Food Programme; International NGOs
Corporate conductAllegationAgainst
Cisco is accused of bribery
Cisco is accused of bribery amid sanctions allegations in Russia.
Department of Labor and Cisco Systems Inc. Enter Agreement to Resolve Alleged Pay Discrimination in San Jose | U.S. Department of Labor
Workplace equityAllegationAgainst
Cisco Systems, Inc. is accused of caste-based discrimination
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a federal lawsuit alleging Cisco Systems, Inc. and two managers discriminated against an engineer because he is Dalit, formerly known as 'untouchable'.
Sacramento – The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a federal lawsuit today under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VII), and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), against Cisco Systems, Inc. (Cisco) and two managers for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
EH Sues Cisco Systems, Inc. And Former Managers For Caste-Based Discrimination Federal Suit Alleges Managers Discriminated Against Engineer Because He is Dalit, Formerly Known as “Untouchable” S acramento – The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a federal lawsuit today under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VII), and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), against Cisco Systems, Inc. (Cisco) and two managers for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
AI & automationConfirmedAgainst
Cisco ties layoffs to AI efficiencies
Cisco links layoffs to AI-related efficiencies and broader organizational changes.
Cisco joins a growing list of tech companies that have tied layoffs to AI-related efficiencies and broader organizational changes.
The layoffs, which affect less than 5% of Cisco's workforce, come as the company reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results and raised its sales forecast on growing demand for AI infrastructure.
AI & automationConfirmedAgainst
Cisco cuts thousands of jobs to invest in AI
Cisco announced thousands of job cuts, with CEO Chuck Robbins stating the reduction supports employees' use of AI across the company.
Last week, Cisco also announced thousands of job cuts, with CEO Chuck Robbins saying in a blog post that it was reducing headcount in part to invest in "employees' use of AI across the company."
Israel & PalestineAllegationYou decide
Cisco is accused of providing hardware and communications capacity to Israeli military
Cisco is accused of providing hardware and communications capacity to the Israeli military's central datacenter according to the American Friends Service Committee.
Cisco has allegedly been supplying critical networking, hardware and servers infrastructure to the Israeli military, that are believed to be powering surveillance and AI ecosystem enabling mass surveillance and targeting of Palestinians, including tracking their movements and mapping family connections.
According to the American Friends Service Committee, which tracks global companies’ connections to Israel’s actions in Gaza, Cisco provides hardware and communications capacity to the Israeli military’s central datacenter.
Corporate conductSettlementAgainst
Cisco settles for providing incomplete information to GSA
Cisco settled after being accused of providing incomplete information to GSA contracting officers, resulting in defective pricing and false claims.
Today’s civil settlement resolves the United States’ assertions that Cisco and Westcon knowingly provided incomplete information to GSA contracting officers during negotiations in regard to Westcon’s contract with the GSA, which resulted in defective pricing of Cisco products and submission of false claims to the United States.
Ukraine & RussiaConfirmedYou decide
Cisco works with humanitarian partners on connectivity
Cisco is working closely with UNHCR, ETC, NetHope, and others to plan cybersecurity and connectivity responses for humanitarian needs.
Cisco's contribution to bring connectivity and cybersecurity to Ukraine and skills to Ukrainian refugees | Futurium
Cisco Crisis Response (CCR) is working closely with UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), the UN's Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), NetHope, and other humanitarian partners to plan response efforts to address needs for cybersecurity and connectivity solutions.
Cisco recently provided networking equipment for free to the Ukrainian government for over $5M USD: one hundred fully-fledged, enterprise-class, secure wireless networks, including firewalls, switches, access points, cameras, and accessories via the French government.
Cisco Crisis Response (CCR) is working closely with UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), the UN's Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), NetHope, and other humanitarian partners to plan response efforts to address needs for cybersecurity and connectivity solutions.
Cisco recently provided networking equipment for free to the Ukrainian government for over $5M USD: one hundred fully-fledged, enterprise-class, secure wireless networks, including firewalls, switches, access points, cameras, and accessories via the French government.
Cisco's contribution to bring connectivity and cybersecurity to Ukraine and skills to Ukrainian refugees | Futurium
Cisco Crisis Response (CCR) is working closely with UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), the UN's Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), NetHope, and other humanitarian partners to plan response efforts to address needs for cybersecurity and connectivity solutions.
Cisco recently provided networking equipment for free to the Ukrainian government for over $5M USD: one hundred fully-fledged, enterprise-class, secure wireless networks, including firewalls, switches, access points, cameras, and accessories via the French government.
Cisco's contribution to bring connectivity and cybersecurity to Ukraine and skills to Ukrainian refugees | Futurium
Climate & energyConfirmedIn favor
Cisco purchases renewable energy for operations
Cisco purchases renewable energy to meet its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
� Cisco achieved these GHG emissions through a combination of renewable energy on-site generation and purchases, improved building energy efficiency, and reductions in business travel.
In addition, Cisco purchased a combined 458,700 MWh of renewable energy in the U.S., which amounted to more than 449,000 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emission reductions.
Corporate conductRecallAgainst
Cisco recalls power adapters
Cisco and CPSC announced a recall of power adapters.
For example, Cisco reportedly lobbied in 34 different states from 2010 through 2014 (“Amid Federal Gridlock, Lobbying Rises in the States,” The Center for Public Integrity, Feb.
Labor & working conditionsRulingAgainst
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found reasonable cause to believe that Cisco subjected a class of Middle Eastern
USA: Anti-discrimination agency finds evidence Cisco subjected Middle Eastern and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment amid backlash over pro-Palestinian advocacy.
USA: Anti-discrimination agency finds evidence Cisco subjected Middle Eastern and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment amid backlash over pro-Palestinian advocacy
The US federal employment anti-discrimination agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has found “reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim)”.
The US federal employment anti-discrimination agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has found “reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim)”.
USA: Anti-discrimination agency finds evidence Cisco subjected Middle Eastern and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment amid backlash over pro-Palestinian advocacy
The US federal employment anti-discrimination agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has found “reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim)”.
USA: Anti-discrimination agency finds evidence Cisco subjected Middle Eastern and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment amid backlash over pro-Palestinian advocacy
In June 2026, it was reported that the US federal employment anti-discrimination agency issued a determination finding “reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim)”.
USA: Anti-discrimination agency finds evidence Cisco subjected Middle Eastern and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment amid backlash over pro-Palestinian advocacy
Margaret Ly, local director of the EEOC’s San Jose office, wrote in a 9 June letter that following an investigation the office determined that “there is reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim), and/or their association with Muslim and/or Middle Eastern individuals, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”.
USA: Anti-discrimination agency finds evidence Cisco subjected Middle Eastern and Muslim employees to a hostile work environment amid backlash over pro-Palestinian advocacy - Business and Human Rights Centre
The US federal employment anti-discrimination agency, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has found “reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim)”.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined in June that there was “reasonable cause to believe” Cisco subjected the employees to a hostile work environment based on their national origin, religion, or association in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Cisco faces civil rights probe over alleged pro-Palestinian worker claims | The Jerusalem Post
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission determined in June that there was “reasonable cause to believe” Cisco subjected the employees to a hostile work environment based on their national origin, religion or association in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Feds say Cisco likely failed to protect pro-Palestinian workers from harassment - Jewish Telegraphic Agency
In a letter dated June 9, a local director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said that there was reasonable cause to believe that Cisco, which makes computer networking technology, “subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim), and/or their association with Muslim and/or Middle Eastern individuals.”
Cisco probably violated Middle Eastern and Muslim employees’ civil rights, US agency finds | Cisco | The Guardian
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the agency tasked with enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws, has found that Cisco, the global tech company, probably violated the civil rights of Middle Eastern, Muslim and other company employees.
Margaret Ly, local director of the EEOC’s San Jose office, wrote in a 9 June letter that following an investigation the office determined that “there is reasonable cause to believe that [Cisco] subjected a class of individuals to a hostile work environment based on their national origin (Middle Eastern), religion (Muslim), and/or their association with Muslim and/or Middle Eastern individuals, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”.
Community investmentConfirmedIn favor
Cisco shels out $50 million for homelessness
Cisco commits to shelling out $50 million to help fix Silicon Valley's homelessness crisis.
NEW YORK – Attorney General Letitia James today announced she has led a coalition of 19 Attorneys General in settling a multistate lawsuit against Cisco Systems, Inc. concerning security surveillance system software sold to New York, a collection of other states, and the federal government.
Climate & energyConfirmedIn favor
Cisco achieves Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction
Cisco reduced its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions through a holistic approach across global operations, including efficiency drives and renewable energy sourcing.
Cisco was able to achieve its ambitious Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduction goal through a holistic approach across our global operations, from driving efficiency to sourcing renewable energy.
In addition, Cisco purchased a combined 458,700 MWh of renewable energy in the U.S., which amounted to more than 449,000 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emission reductions.
Community investmentConfirmedIn favor
Cisco Systems, Inc. made a gift to establish the Cisco Foundation
The documented action involving Cisco Systems, Inc. concerns basic human needs.
For example, in fiscal 2016 Cisco expanded disclosure around payments to trade associations, industry groups and certain other organizations, and in fiscal 2017 Cisco included links to its federal lobbying disclosure reports.
In other states, disclosure reports concerning Cisco’s lobbying activities may be obtained from the websites of the applicable state governments.
As to disclosure of Cisco’s actual lobbying expenditures, links to Cisco’s federal expenditures can be viewed on the Public Policy Engagements webpage, and its California expenditures can be viewed on the http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/lobbying website.
Workplace equityConfirmedYou decide
Cisco values people and technology
Cisco states it values its people, technology, and a more inclusive future.
Under CEO Chuck Robbins, Cisco has doubled down on its commitment to DEI, emphasizing that equity and inclusion are critical to both employee well-being and business success.
Workplace equityConfirmedYou decide
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins defended DEI initiatives
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins defended DEI initiatives during an Axios interview in Davos, Switzerland.
CEO Chuck Robbins defended his company's DEI programs during an interview with Axios in January, maintaining that "the core reasons that you have a diverse workforce are still there from a business perspective."
Editor's note: The story and headline have been corrected to say Chuck Robbins defended DEI and diversity at Cisco (not in general).
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins defends DEI at his company
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins defended DEI initiatives at the company during an Axios interview on Wednesday in Davos, Switzerland.
Community investmentConfirmedIn favor
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins — leader personally funds homelessness relief
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins speaks during an event, where he announced a $50 million donation to Destination: Home, one of Silicon Valley's major nonprofits tackling homelessness and affordable housing in the region, on March 26, 2018 at The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.
“There’s been unparalleled success in the tech community, particularly here in Silicon Valley,” Cisco Chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins said Monday from the stage of The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins speaks during an event, where he announced a $50 million donation to Destination: Home, one of Silicon Valley's major nonprofits tackling homelessness and affordable housing in the region, on March 26, 2018 at The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins talks to Lived Experience advisory board member Summer-Lee Bettencourt during an event, where he announced a $50 million donation to Destination: Home, one of Silicon Valley's major nonprofits tackling homelessness and affordable housing in the region, on March 26, 2018 at The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.