On Google and Not Being Evil

Abstract

In this Reflection, an early product manager at Google discusses his view of the way the famous motto in the company Code of Conduct—“Don’t be Evil”—functioned to prevent certain kinds of ruthlessness, but also to improve the relationship with the customer and the corporate bottom line. The author argues that, contrary to popular opinion, Google in fact tried to avoid exploiting the user data that they collected, as well as data from Google Analytics, and that the “Don’t be Evil” motto was important in helping employees make good decisions. The Reflection is thus a kind of apologia on behalf of Google (at least in its early days) against now-familiar charges that it is part of the company’s essential strategy to engage in various nefarious activities.