https://www.cnet.com/news/at-google-io-sundar-pichai-talks-assistant-android-q-amid-scandals/

Since last year's gathering, Google's biggest issues have spilled into public view. The company's workers have protested against Google's military contracts, its work in China and its treatment of temporary and contract workers. Pichai has also been dragged in front of Congress to defend Google against accusations of political bias.

The event comes just days after thousands of employees staged a sit-in at several Google offices to express discontent over alleged company retaliation for a prior protest. Two longtime employees said management had been unfairly targeting them because of their roles in organizing last year's historic Google walkout, which saw more than 20,000 of the company's employees march out of their offices. That protest was aimed at Google's handling of sexual harassment allegations directed at executives.