Virgin Media

How ethical and sustainable is Virgin Media? 

Virgin Media is included in The Good Shopping Guide‘s Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table. The TV and broadband provider has yet to meet our ethical standards, but we believe that in the future, the brand will make the necessary changes to function as a more ethical organisation. Virgin Media has the chance to increase consumer confidence and trust by applying for Ethical Accreditation, which would include a more complete examination and suggestions for ethical development.

More information on why ethics should be considered before you switch Broadband providers may be found in The Good Shopping Guide to Ethical Broadband Providers. Then, in our Ethical Broadband Providers Ratings Table compare it to other suppliers.

What does Virgin Media do?

Virgin Media was founded in 2006 and provides customers with Broadband, TV and Mobile phone deals. Virgin Media is a joint venture between Telefonica S.A. and Liberty Global Plc as both companies own 50%.

For which criteria does Virgin Media perform poorly? 

Virgin Media received a low rating for its Political Donations and Animal Welfare issues. Virgin Media’s parent brand Telefonica has been criticised by PETA for broadcasting Spanish Bullfighting on its channels and have urged the brand not to broadcast the slaughter of bulls as this is considered a cruel and inhumane sport. Telefonica also has several military contracts earning Virgin Media a middle rating for Armaments as well as Human Rights after Telefonica Brasil was found guilty of engaging in slave labour. Virgin Medias other parent company, Liberty Global, came under fire for donating over $144k in recent election cycles.

Past Criticisms of Virgin Media’s ethical record

Virgin Media faced criticism of its ethical record after parent company Liberty Global was sued by the US government as the company was accused of avoiding paying tax.

In what areas does Virgin Media score well for its ethics?

Virgin Media receives a high score for its Environmental Report, no Nuclear Power issues or links to the usage of Fossil Fuels. Virgin Media has a ‘Journey to Net Zero’ document that details serval carbon emission reduction targets as the brand aims to be Net Zero by 2040.

How can Virgin Media improve its Ethical Rating?

The Ethical Rating of a brand is divided into three research categories by The Good Shopping Guide: the Environment, People and Animals. Ethical Accreditation would help to encourage ethically-conscious consumers to switch broadband providers for the more ethical choice.

Virgin Media should apply for Ethical Accreditation at for more detailed guidance and relevant suggestions on how to operate more ethically.

Virgin Media could improve its rating and fulfil our fundamental Ethical Benchmark by ensuring that its parent brands no longer broadcast bullfighting and cease all Political Donations so the brand is not affiliated with any specific political views.

Why not check out The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Accreditation if you work for or with a TV or Broadband company that wants to improve its ESG, CSR or sustainability initiatives, or has an outstanding ethical track record?

Contact us to learn more about Ethical Accreditation, or complete our application form for an ethical evaluation.