http://time.com/4060575/alphabet-google-dont-be-evil/
It's about FUCKING time !! :o
and it was only 11 years ago they said:
QuoteThey are unbiased and objective, and we do not accept payment for them or for inclusion or more frequent updating ... We believe it is important for everyone to have access to the best information and research, not only to the information people pay for you to see."
now you struggle to find a link that is not paid for.
Alphabet's very existence it to be a for profit machine, attaching "don't be evil" to it just seems silly. That motto was a hold-over from a more innocent time in Google's history where they could claim to be motivated by something other than maximizing ROI. In my opinion, pretending that a giant such as Alphabet has a moral compass is really much more dangerous.
I think that a lot of the coverage is missing the point here. They've dropped the phrase, but seem to be ramping up the intent.
"don't be evil" was always glib and stupid. No one was committing genocide or torturing people. They've dropped the comic book moral stance and actually tried to make it mean something.
Alphabet now uses phrases like "do the right thing", "act honourably", and "high standards of integrity". I don't think they are trying to vacs away from it - I think they are trying to define it.
Their big public lapses could only ever have been described as "evil" if accompanied by the sound of a grinding axe. Whether they were "right", "honourable" and followed "high standards of integrity" is much more questionable.
That all said, I still think all such statements are bollocks. It's a nice sentiment but means sweet FA.
> "don't be evil" was always glib and stupid.
I disagree.
It is a clear and simple statement of intent.
Best TOS I ever saw was over at Pud's fuckedcompany.
"Don't be a dick"