The Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured a $30 million settlement from PayPal, focusing on the company's efforts to support Black and minority-owned businesses. In response to the DOJ's concerns, PayPal will establish a new Small Business Initiative that avoids the controversial diversity language previously associated with its Economic Opportunity Fund, which aimed to invest $530 million in such businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the settlement terms, PayPal will also eliminate processing fees for $1 billion in transactions involving small businesses that meet specific criteria, such as being veteran-owned or involved in farming, manufacturing, or technology. This shift marks a significant change in PayPal's approach to supporting minority businesses.
Previously, the DOJ has taken similar actions against other organizations, including IBM, which recently settled for over $17 million due to allegations regarding hiring practices linked to demographics. Both PayPal and IBM have not admitted to any wrongdoing in their respective settlements.