TLDR: GoDaddy has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, highlighting a comprehensive commitment to responsible governance, sustainable operations, and the ethical integration of artificial intelligence. The report details the company’s strategies for mitigating AI risks, fostering a secure digital environment, and achieving ambitious environmental targets, all while empowering entrepreneurs globally.
GoDaddy has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining its dedication to responsible business practices, sustainable operations, and the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence. The report, which covers the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2024, underscores GoDaddy’s mission to empower entrepreneurs worldwide through a framework of robust governance and environmental responsibility.
Responsible AI at the Forefront
A significant focus of the report is GoDaddy’s approach to Responsible AI. The company is committed to leveraging all forms of AI—including machine learning (ML), agentic AI, and GenAI—in a ‘safe, trustworthy, and ethical manner’ to inspire creativity, save time, and help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. GoDaddy aims to address potential risks such as algorithmic bias and misinformation by implementing measures to guide the design, development, and deployment of AI. These measures ensure alignment with GoDaddy’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, with proactive steps taken to minimize bias and maximize accuracy. The company’s AI and ML Governance Council plays a crucial role in overseeing these efforts, establishing guardrails for ethical AI use. Furthermore, GoDaddy provides technical AI-related training and workshops for its employees to foster innovation. The report also notes that GoDaddy carefully vets all AI partnerships through a due diligence process involving Legal, IT, and Risk Teams, focusing on ethical standards, data privacy, regulatory compliance, and performance reliability. In 2024, the ‘Empower by GoDaddy’ program made significant strides in integrating AI education, providing access to cutting-edge technology and resources to support communities and democratize AI for microbusiness owners.
Governance and Operational Sustainability
Sustainability is deeply embedded in GoDaddy’s operations, guided by principles of responsible governance. The company has set an ambitious new target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 90% by 2030, from a 2019 baseline, having already surpassed its initial target. This commitment to environmental stewardship is expected to enhance business outcomes through cost savings and increased operational efficiency. In 2024, GoDaddy undertook an inaugural Double Materiality Assessment to prioritize topics most impactful to its business, stakeholders, society, and the environment, ensuring data-driven decisions for responsible growth.
Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Trust & Safety
Cybersecurity and data privacy remain top priorities. GoDaddy maintains enterprise-wide programs to protect systems and safeguard customer and employee data, with robust governance systems overseen by the Board’s Audit and Finance Committee. The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) provides regular reports to the committee, at least quarterly. The company adopts a proactive approach to data privacy, establishing core practices and ensuring global regulatory compliance. In terms of Trust & Safety, GoDaddy strives to prevent harmful content while promoting diverse ideas and open expression. The company’s Universal Terms of Service (UTOS) prohibit illegal activities and content promoting violence. GoDaddy actively participates in industry groups like the Tech Coalition, contributing to initiatives such as the Financial Sextortion Prevention Toolkit in 2024 and mentoring smaller tech companies on child safety.
People, Culture, and Community Impact
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GoDaddy’s report also highlights its commitment to its people and communities. The annual employee survey, ‘GoDaddy Voice,’ achieved an 84% response rate, indicating strong employee trust and team support. The company offers various learning experiences, including a sales training program where 140 employees enrolled and earned 840 college credits. GoDaddy engaged in nearly 12 million customer conversations across various channels, achieving a Trust Pilot rating of 4.6 out of 5. Employees volunteered nearly 3,700 hours and contributed over $1.57 million through employee efforts, rewards, corporate funds, and matching donations, demonstrating a strong commitment to community engagement.
