Emojis are standardized exactly the same way as text is, both are defined by the unicode standard. They might not be rendered uniformly, the same way that text rendering depends on the font.

I don't think anyone was hating originally. The "seriously?" was likely referencing your use of the word, rather than being a comment on the matter of your original question. One can read your comment as being in disbelief that somebody might be unfamiliar with the highly specific acronym you were using, which probably prompted them to comment on the "bubble".

If he gave a standard appeasing PR statement without following it up at all, that would somehow be preferable? This may be snarky, but at least you know what to expect.

There doesn't seem to be any data that they based this conclusion on, but I certainly find it somewhat plausible. High turnover and a disconnect between employer and employee may drive the lack of reporting and enforcement you point out. It may also reduce the perceived risk, like your colleagues finding out you are a creep, or being fired.

That's just the US version, everywhere else (I believe) has the one you see in the top picture here.