The phrase "do no evil" is commonly associated with Google's former motto, which was officially phrased as "Don't be evil." This principle served as a cornerstone of Google's corporate philosophy and was included in its initial corporate code of conduct.
Google's "Don't Be Evil" Motto
The "Don't be evil" motto became widely recognized as a guiding principle for the technology giant, embodying a commitment to ethical conduct in its operations and innovations.
- Origin and Significance: The phrase was reportedly coined by Google employees Paul Buchheit and Amit Patel around 2000. It quickly became an informal corporate motto, symbolizing the company's ambition to create services that benefit humanity without exploiting users or engaging in unethical practices.
- Inclusion in Code of Conduct: The motto was formally included in Google's corporate code of conduct when the company went public in 2004, cementing its importance as a core value. It was intended to guide employees in making decisions that prioritized user trust and public good.
- Status as a Former Motto: While iconic, "Don't be evil" was eventually phased out as Google's official motto. It was replaced by the phrase "Do the right thing" as a broader ethical guideline, which continues to be featured in the company's code of conduct. This transition reflected an evolving understanding of corporate responsibility in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
The Evolution of Google's Principles
The shift from "Don't be evil" to "Do the right thing" highlights Google's ongoing commitment to ethical behavior, adapting its guiding principles to its vast global presence and diverse range of products.
| Motto | Period / Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Don't be evil | Former official motto (prominent until ~2018) | Focused on avoiding harmful actions and ensuring user trust, especially in data handling and search results. |
| Do the right thing | Current core principle in Google's Code of Conduct | A broader and more proactive ethical stance, encouraging employees to act responsibly and consider the wider societal impact of their work. |
This evolution signifies a move towards a more comprehensive and proactive ethical framework, emphasizing that ethical conduct goes beyond merely avoiding harm to actively seeking positive contributions. You can learn more about Google's ethical guidelines and its former motto on resources such as Wikipedia's "Don't be evil" page.
