[belorn]

Reading the definition on Wikipedia, "all talk and no action" isn't it. virtue-signaling means to platitudinous and superficial support a socially progressive view in order to enhance ones standing within that social group.

For example, a secret lobbyist could be doing virtue-signaling by advertisements and donations. Its common understanding that a lobbyist can and will change their views instantly when its profitable, and thus their actions aren't in honest support of the cause for which they are at some point supporting.

[woodruffw]

Which begs the question: What's so superficial about giving $1 million to the ACLU?

Lyft et al. have complex motives including financial gain, but that doesn't seem to detract from the fundamental good of their action. That's why I qualified it like philanthropy - we can immediately observe other motives for action (tax breaks, good standing among your wealthy peers), but these other motives don't negate any good done. The ACLU doesn't put their donations into red and green bank accounts based on who gives it.