Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, two Ph.D. students at Stanford University. Initially, it was a search engine designed to provide more accurate and relevant search results by using a unique algorithm that ranked web pages based on the number and quality of links pointing to them. Over time, Google expanded beyond search into a vast array of services, including email (Gmail), document editing (Google Docs), video sharing (YouTube), and advertising platforms (AdWords and AdSense).
From the beginning, Google collected data on user behavior to improve its services and refine its advertising. As the company grew, so did the amount of data it gathered. Every search, email, document, and video watched on Google's platforms became part of a massive data collection system. This data includes:
But what many don’t realize is that Google’s data collection isn’t just for profit—it’s also deeply intertwined with the U.S. government. Google has long been a key player in the intelligence and surveillance apparatus of the United States, working closely with agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Defense.
In 2007, Google entered into a secret agreement with the U.S. government under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), allowing the NSA to access user data from Google’s servers without a warrant. This marked the beginning of a partnership that would allow the government to monitor billions of communications, including emails, search queries, and video calls, all under the guise of national security.
Google’s cooperation with the U.S. government has only grown over the years. In 2013, whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that Google had been part of a global surveillance program known as PRISM, which allowed the NSA to access data from major tech companies, including Google, without users’ knowledge or consent. This program enabled the government to track the online activities of millions of people, often without their awareness.
Google has also been involved in the development of advanced surveillance technologies, such as facial recognition and predictive analytics, which are used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor and predict behavior. These tools are often deployed in ways that target marginalized communities, raising concerns about racial profiling and mass surveillance.
Moreover, Google’s influence over the digital landscape has given it immense power to shape public opinion, control information flow, and manipulate search results in favor of political and corporate interests. This power is further amplified by its close ties to the U.S. government, which has often used its influence to pressure Google into compliance with surveillance and data collection demands.
In short, Google has evolved from a simple search engine into a powerful corporate entity with deep connections to the U.S. government. Its data harvesting practices, combined with its role in intelligence and surveillance, paint a picture of a company that is not just profit-driven, but also deeply embedded in the machinery of state control. Google may seem like a convenient tool for everyday use, but its sinister role in the digital age is undeniable.