In the early days of Google, the motto “Don’t be Evil” was more than just a phrase – it was a promise to users, the world and to itself. This motto, which was intended to create an ethical foundation for the company, was integrated into the Code of Conduct and symbolized Google’s efforts to be perceived not only as a technology giant, but also as a moral player.
However, the reality has changed drastically in the years since this motto was introduced. Google has moved so far away from its initial ideals that the original maxim now seems more like a nostalgic memory. Although the motto is still anchored in the Code of Conduct, current corporate practice reflects little of the ethical principles that once formed the core of Google’s philosophy.
A clear sign of this change is the apparent indifference to fraudulent activity on Google’s platforms. At a time when the company used to emphasize the importance of gaining and maintaining the trust of users, Google now appears to be driven primarily by financial interests. The pursuit of profit has taken the place of ethical considerations and the protection of user integrity.
The former commitment to not being “evil” is increasingly perceived as mere rhetoric, while fraudulent advertising on Google platforms is not only tolerated, but even propagated by Google itself, and considerable damage for the users is consciously accepted. The discrepancy between the original ideals and the company’s current behavior is so great that it is hard to imagine that both are based on the same ethical compass.
This is an advertisement prominently displayed on my YouTube homepage. It shows a picture of Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, with a logo from the media company 20 minutes. And it literally screams “official”. When you click on this advertisement, you are redirected to a page that purports to be an official report from 20 minutes. It even uses the fake profile of the magazine’s journalist and editor Reto Bollmann.
The fake report pretends that the Swiss federal government has developed an investment platform from which its own people can benefit. The picture shows the entire Federal Council, which consists of 7 members.
It seems that Google has forgotten that the success of a company is not only measured by financial metrics, but also by its contribution to society and the protection of its users. The once so clear ethical vision of “Don’t be Evil” has disappeared in the shadow of financial priorities, and the question of whether Google wants to take responsibility is more in the air than ever.
The emphasis on “Don’t be Evil” in previous years was not just a marketing strategy, but a promise to the world that Google would use its power responsibly. Unfortunately, current events tend to reflect the impression that this promise has become fragile. Google increasingly seems to be choosing the path of least resistance, even if this contradicts the principles of the original motto.
In the era of digitalization, Google plays a central role in the lives of billions of people worldwide. But how far does the tech giant’s responsibility go, especially when it comes to the distribution of fraudulent content on its own platforms? It seems that Google is not taking the legal and social responsibility that comes with its global reach seriously.
The allegations relate to the approval and even support of fraudulent advertisements on Google platforms. Criminal organizations not only use images and alleged statements from well-known personalities, media or government bodies, but also make fake promises in their name to deceive unsuspecting users. The victims of such scams are often not only financially damaged, but also emotionally distressed.
Here is an example of a deep fake video pretending to be Roger Federer talking about his secret to a foolproof method for financial investments. The advertisement is prominently promoted by YouTube. And of course, the deep fake video is also hosted on YouTube. I have already reported this advertisement several times. Nothing has happened on Google’s part.
What is particularly worrying is that complaints about these fraudulent ads seem to fall on deaf ears at Google. Those affected only receive weak emails with lip service-like statements that do not contain any concrete measures to remedy the problem. The fraudulent ads persist, and Google seems to care little that its platforms are being abused for criminal activities.
Google’s weak response leaves room for speculation about the company’s motivations. A cynical view might suggest that Google is prepared to turn a blind eye to fraudulent activities as long as advertising revenue is flowing in. The indifference to possible links to criminal organizations is viewed particularly critically here. The focus on one’s own profit seems to be higher than the duty to protect users from fraudulent activities. But if you indirectly earn money with the fraudsters through advertising revenue, then you are an accomplice and committing a criminal activity yourself. Not?
The pressure on Google to assume its responsibility should not only come from the users concerned, but also from regulatory authorities and society in general. A review of the current legal framework and the introduction of stricter measures against fraudulent advertising on digital platforms may be necessary to force companies like Google to take their responsibilities seriously.
It is to be hoped that Google will soon realize that its indifference to fraudulent activities not only shatters the trust of users, but also represents a significant damage to society as a whole. Legal and social responsibility should not just be empty words in corporate guidelines, but should be translated into concrete measures and a proactive stance against fraudulent activities on digital platforms.
But for now: Google is Evil.
alexreusch 