Full History Of Google In Timeline From 1996

January 1996: Google Project Begins

Google's journey began as a research project in January 1996 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were PhD students at Stanford University.

February 1998: Investment from Ram Shriram

Ram Shriram, a venture capitalist, made an early investment of $250,000 in Google in February 1998.

August 1998: Initial Funding from Andy Bechtolsheim

Google received its initial funding of $100,000 in August 1998 from Andy Bechtolsheim, co-founder of Sun Microsystems.

September 4, 1998: Google Founded

Google was founded on September 4, 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, PhD students at Stanford University.

1998: Google's Founding

Google was founded in 1998.

1998: PageRank Paper Published

In 1998, the first paper about Google's project, describing PageRank and the initial prototype of the search engine, was published.

1998: First Google Doodle Created

The first-ever Google Doodle appeared in 1998, marking the beginning of a now-famous tradition. Created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the doodle celebrated the Burning Man Festival and served as a lighthearted notification to users in case of server issues during their absence.

March 1999: Move to Palo Alto

Google moved its offices to Palo Alto, California, in March 1999, joining the hub of Silicon Valley startups.

June 7, 1999: $25 Million Funding Round

On June 7, 1999, Google secured a $25 million funding round with major investors including Kleiner Perkins and Sequoia Capital.

April 1, 2000: Google's First April Fools' Day Joke

On April 1, 2000, Google launched its first April Fools' Day prank: Google MentalPlex. This playful joke suggested users could search the web using only their mental power.

June 2000: Google Becomes Yahoo's Default Search Engine

In June 2000, Google became the default search engine provider for Yahoo!, a major milestone in expanding its reach.

2000: Dennis Hwang Begins Designing Doodles

The year 2000 brought a change to Google's Doodle creation process. Larry Page and Sergey Brin, initially relying on external contractors, decided to bring the task in-house. They asked intern Dennis Hwang to design a logo for Bastille Day, marking the beginning of his role as the dedicated Doodle designer.

2001: Eric Schmidt Becomes Chairman and CEO

In 2001, Eric Schmidt was hired as the chairman and CEO of Google to provide strong internal management, marking a new era for the company.

October 2002: "Google" as a Verb

In October 2002, the verb "google," meaning to search for information on the internet, appeared on the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

2002: Google Launches News and Books Services

In 2002, Google expanded its offerings with the launch of Google News, an automated news aggregation service summarizing articles from various sources. Additionally, Google introduced Google Books, enabling users to search the text of books within its database and access limited previews or full content when permitted.

2002: Google Launches Froogle, Later Google Shopping

In 2002, Google ventured into the e-commerce realm with the launch of Froogle, a shopping comparison service. Froogle was later rebranded as Google Shopping, solidifying Google's presence in the online retail landscape.

2003: Google's Lobbying Spending Relatively Low

In 2003, Google's lobbying efforts were relatively limited, reflected by its ranking of 213th in lobbying spending.

2003: Googleplex Lease

Outgrowing previous spaces, Google leased the office complex from Silicon Graphics at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway in Mountain View, California, in 2003, later known as the Googleplex.

August 19, 2004: Initial Public Offering

Google went public on August 19, 2004, with an IPO that raised $1.67 billion and gave the company a market capitalization of over $23 billion.

2004: Google.org Established with $1 Billion Fund

Google launched its philanthropic arm, Google.org, in 2004 with a $1 billion initial fund to address climate change, global public health, and poverty.

2004: Google Goes Public

In 2004, Google went public via an initial public offering (IPO), marking a significant milestone for the company.

2005: Google's Corporate Philosophy Questioned

Articles published in 2005, including some in The New York Times, raised questions about whether Google was straying from its founding principle of "Don't be evil" and its anti-corporate stance.

2005: Google Earth Takes Off, Providing Global Satellite Imagery

In 2005, Google launched Google Earth, a groundbreaking application that allowed users to explore high-definition satellite imagery of the entire planet. This free software revolutionized how people interacted with geographic data and visualization.

2005: Google Reports 700% Profit Increase

In the third quarter of 2005, Google experienced a massive 700% surge in its profits. This significant growth was attributed to large companies shifting their advertising spending from traditional media like newspapers, magazines, and television to the internet.

2005: Google Starts Developing Its Own Hardware

While initially relying on commodity hardware, Google shifted strategy in 2005 and began developing its own hardware designs for its data centers to optimize performance and cost efficiency.

October 2006: Google Announces Plans for a Large-scale Solar Panel Installation

In October 2006, Google revealed its plan to install a large solar panel system at its headquarters, capable of generating 1.6 megawatts of electricity, equivalent to about 30% of the campus's energy consumption.

November 13, 2006: Google Acquires YouTube

On November 13, 2006, Google acquired the popular video-sharing platform YouTube for $1.65 billion in Google stock, marking a significant moment in the company's expansion into new media.

November 2006: Google Opens Offices in Pittsburgh and Ann Arbor

In November 2006, Google expanded its footprint in the United States by opening offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan to focus on AdWords, and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Carnegie Mellon's campus, concentrating on shopping-related advertisement coding and smartphone applications.

2006: Google's Advertising Revenue Dominates

Google's financial report for the fiscal year 2006 revealed the dominant role of advertising revenue in its business. The company generated a staggering $10.492 billion from advertising, dwarfing its $112 million earnings from licensing and other revenue streams.

2006: Google Expands into Finance

In 2006, Google broadened its service portfolio by entering the financial sector with the launch of Google Finance. This platform provided users with access to financial information, stock quotes, and market news.

2006: Google Establishes Significant Presence in Manhattan

In 2006, Google expanded its presence in New York City by moving into a 300,000 square foot office space at 111 Eighth Avenue, designed specifically for the company and home to its largest advertising sales team.

2006: Google Grapples with Click Fraud Concerns

In 2006, the advertising industry raised concerns about click fraud on Google's platform. Reports estimated that 14% to 20% of clicks were fraudulent, potentially costing advertisers significant sums. Google responded by implementing measures to combat click fraud and ensure the integrity of its advertising network.

2006: Verb "Google" Added to Dictionaries

The widespread use of "google" as a verb led to its inclusion in both the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary and the Oxford English Dictionary in 2006. This inclusion signified the term's firm place in everyday language, defining it as using the Google search engine to find information online.

March 2007: First Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival at Google Headquarters

In partnership with the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI), Google hosted the inaugural Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival at its Mountain View headquarters in March 2007.

July 20, 2007: Google Bids in FCC Wireless-Spectrum Auction

On July 20, 2007, Google participated in the FCC's wireless-spectrum auction, placing a bid for $4.6 billion. This move demonstrated Google's interest in expanding its presence in the telecommunications industry.

October 31, 2007: Google's Stock Price Surges

Google's stock price reached $350 for the first time on October 31, 2007. This surge was primarily driven by robust sales and earnings in the online advertising market.

2007: Google Aims for Carbon Neutrality

Beginning in 2007, Google set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations, reflecting its increasing focus on environmental sustainability.

2007: Google's Tax Avoidance Strategies Spark Controversy

Between 2007 and 2010, Google came under scrutiny for its tax avoidance practices, using strategies like routing non-U.S. profits through Ireland, the Netherlands, and Bermuda to reduce its tax liabilities.

2007: Google's TiSP April Fools' Day Joke

Google continued its tradition of April Fools' Day pranks in 2007 with the announcement of TiSP, or Toilet Internet Service Provider. This fictional service claimed to provide internet access by flushing a fiber-optic cable down the toilet.

2007: Google Ranked First in Fortune's Best Companies to Work For

In 2007, Google earned the top spot on Fortune magazine's list of the best companies to work for, a testament to its employee-centric culture.

2007: Google Taps into Mobile Advertising with AdSense for Mobile

Recognizing the burgeoning mobile advertising market, Google launched "AdSense for Mobile" in 2007. This strategic move allowed advertisers to extend their reach to mobile users, capitalizing on the increasing adoption of smartphones.

March 11, 2008: Google Acquires DoubleClick

On March 11, 2008, Google acquired the online advertising company DoubleClick for $3.1 billion. The acquisition provided Google with valuable relationships in the advertising industry and strengthened its position in the online advertising market.

2008: Google Maintains Top Position as Best Company to Work For

Google continued its reign as the best company to work for, according to Fortune magazine, further solidifying its reputation for a positive work environment in 2008.

2008: Google's "Project 10" Launched

In 2008, Google launched "Project 10," inviting the public to submit ideas for community improvement. After a period of silence, the winners were announced, with $10 million distributed among various projects focused on education and open access to legal documents.

November 2009: Google Search Dominates US Market

In November 2009, comScore market research revealed Google Search's dominance in the United States, capturing a significant 65.6% market share. This solidified Google's position as the leading search engine in the region.

2009: Google Joins PRISM Program

According to unnamed sources, Google joined the NSA's PRISM program in 2009.

2009: Google Unveils its Custom-Designed Hardware

After four years of development, Google publicly revealed its custom-designed hardware for its data centers in 2009, showcasing its commitment to innovation and optimization in infrastructure.

2009: Google Ranks Fourth in Fortune's Best Companies to Work For

Google secured the fourth position on Fortune magazine's list of the best companies to work for in 2009, highlighting its continued commitment to a positive work environment.

January 2010: Google Enters Smartphone Hardware with Nexus One

In January 2010, Google unveiled the Nexus One, marking its entry into the smartphone hardware market. This device, running on the Android operating system, was the first in a line of Nexus-branded phones and tablets.

February 2010: Google Announces Google Fiber Project

In February 2010, Google revealed its ambitious Google Fiber project, aiming to build an ultra-high-speed broadband network. Initially an experimental plan, it targeted 50,000 to 500,000 customers in select US cities. Later, with Google's restructuring into Alphabet Inc., Google Fiber was moved under Alphabet's Access division.

February 2010: Google Gains Approval to Trade Energy

In February 2010, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted Google authorization to buy and sell energy at market rates.

July 2010: Google's Iowa Wind Farm Agreement

Google signed an agreement with an Iowa wind farm in July 2010 to purchase 114 megawatts of power for two decades.

2010: Google's Tax Avoidance Practices Spark Controversy

Between 2007 and 2010, Google came under scrutiny for its tax avoidance practices, using strategies like routing non-U.S. profits through Ireland, the Netherlands, and Bermuda to reduce its tax liabilities.

2010: Google's Carbon Emissions and Renewable Energy Use

In 2010, Google reported nearly 1.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions, primarily from fossil fuels powering its data centers. However, they also highlighted that 25% of their energy came from renewable sources.

2010: Google's Workplace Appeal Recognized

In 2010, Google was recognized for its workplace appeal, ranking fourth on Fortune's Best Companies to Work For list and receiving a nomination as the world's most attractive employer for graduating students in the Universum Communications talent attraction index.

2010: Google Acquires its New York City Headquarters Building

In a major real estate deal in 2010, Google purchased the building housing its New York City headquarters at 111 Eighth Avenue for a staggering $1.9 billion, demonstrating its commitment to the city.

2010: YouTube Joins PRISM Program

Unnamed sources revealed that YouTube, owned by Google, joined the NSA's PRISM program in 2010.

May 2011: Google Surpasses One Billion Monthly Users

In a major milestone, Google reached over one billion monthly unique visitors in May 2011, highlighting its dominance in the search engine market and its global reach.

September 2011: Google's Energy Consumption Disclosed

In September 2011, Google revealed its substantial energy consumption, stating it used enough electricity to power 200,000 homes.

2011: Google's Data Center Expansion

By 2011, Google was processing approximately 3 billion searches per day. To manage this massive workload, the company invested in building 11 data centers globally, each equipped with thousands of servers. This infrastructure enabled Google to handle the increasing demand for its services more efficiently.

2011: Google's €1 Million Donation to the International Mathematical Olympiad

In 2011, Google donated €1 million to the International Mathematical Olympiad to support the event for the following five years (2011-2015).

2011: Google Introduces Chromebooks, Powered by ChromeOS

In 2011, Google introduced Chromebooks, a new category of laptops running on its lightweight ChromeOS operating system. These devices, known for their affordability and focus on web-based applications, gained popularity in education and among users seeking a simple computing experience.

2011: Google Takes Flight with Google Flights

In 2011, Google took to the skies with the introduction of Google Flights. This flight search and comparison service empowered travelers to find and book flights conveniently within the Google ecosystem.

2011: Google's Advertising Revenue Remains Dominant

In 2011, advertising remained Google's primary source of income, accounting for a whopping 96% of its total revenue.

May 2012: Google Acquires Motorola Mobility

In its largest acquisition to date, Google bought Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in May 2012. This acquisition was driven by Google's need to acquire Motorola's extensive patent portfolio related to mobile phones and wireless technologies. This strategic move aimed to protect Google from ongoing patent disputes with companies like Apple and Microsoft, allowing them to continue developing and offering its Android operating system freely.

July 2012: Google Launches "Legalize Love" Campaign

Google initiated the "Legalize Love" campaign in July 2012, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

September 24, 2012: Google Launches Google for Entrepreneurs

On September 24, 2012, Google launched Google for Entrepreneurs, a not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting startups worldwide. The program provided co-working spaces called Campuses, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs.

2012: French Investigation into Google's Tax Practices

Google faced a French investigation in 2012 over its transfer pricing practices. This scrutiny was part of the larger controversy surrounding the company's tax avoidance strategies, which were seen by some as unethical.

2012: Google Ranks High in Campaign Donations

Google ranked 2nd in campaign donations within the technology and internet sectors in 2012, highlighting its active involvement in political campaign financing.

2012: Google Surpasses $50 Billion in Annual Revenue

Google reached a significant milestone in 2012 by exceeding $50 billion in annual revenue, a considerable jump from the $38 billion generated in the previous year.

2012: Google Reclaims Top Spot in Fortune's Best Companies to Work For

Once again, Google secured the number one position on Fortune magazine's list of the best companies to work for in 2012, showcasing its consistent efforts in maintaining a great workplace.

January 2013: Google's CEO Comments on Reaching $50 Billion in Annual Revenue

In January 2013, then-CEO Larry Page proudly announced Google's achievement of surpassing $50 billion in annual revenue for the first time in 2012. This marked a significant milestone for the company, having achieved such growth in just a decade and a half.

June 2013: Google Acquires Waze

In June 2013, Google acquired the community-based traffic and navigation app Waze for $966 million. While Waze continued to operate independently, its crowdsourced location data and social features were integrated into Google Maps, enhancing its functionality and real-time information.

June 2013: Google's Involvement in NSA's PRISM Program Revealed

In June 2013, media reports revealed Google's participation in the NSA's PRISM program, a massive electronic surveillance program. Unnamed sources claimed Google joined the program in 2009, with YouTube joining in 2010.

July 2013: Google Launches Chromecast, Bridging Smartphones and Televisions

In July 2013, Google released the Chromecast dongle, a device that allowed users to seamlessly stream content from their smartphones or computers to their televisions. Chromecast quickly gained popularity for its ease of use and affordability.

September 2013: Google Purchases Electricity from Happy Hereford Wind Farm

Utilizing its authorization to trade energy, Google agreed in September 2013 to purchase all the electricity generated by the future Happy Hereford wind farm, a 240-megawatt facility.

September 19, 2013: Google Launches Calico

On September 19, 2013, Google announced the launch of Calico, a new company focused on health and well-being, specifically targeting age-related diseases. Led by Apple Inc. chairman Arthur Levinson, Calico aimed to tackle the challenges of aging and its associated ailments.

October 2013: Google Reports Third-Quarter 2013 Revenue

In mid-October 2013, Google announced its consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2013, reporting $14.89 billion, a 12% rise compared to the preceding quarter. The growth was primarily attributed to its internet business, which generated $10.8 billion, driven by an increase in user clicks on advertisements.

November 2013: Google Announces Plans for a New London Headquarters

In November 2013, Google announced its intention to establish a new, larger headquarters in London, a 1 million square foot office space capable of housing 4,500 employees.

2013: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Google and Others Over "No Cold Call" Agreements

A class action lawsuit targeting several Silicon Valley companies, including Google, was filed in 2013, alleging the use of "no cold call" agreements to stifle the recruitment of skilled tech workers.

2013: Google Increases Lobbying Spending

By 2013, Google's lobbying spending saw a significant jump, ranking 5th overall. This marked a substantial increase from its 213th position in 2003, indicating the company's growing influence and engagement in political lobbying efforts.

2013: Google Ranks Second Most Valuable Brand

In 2013, Google earned the title of the world's second most valuable brand, according to Interbrand's annual Best Global Brands report. This ranking, with a valuation of $133 billion, placed Google behind Apple Inc.

2013: Start Date for Google's Alleged Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap lawsuit against Google alleged that the company's discriminatory practices dated back to at least 2013.

January 2014: Google's Market Capitalization Reaches $397 Billion

By January 2014, Google's market capitalization reached an impressive $397 billion, demonstrating the company's growing dominance and value in the market.

January 26, 2014: Google Acquires DeepMind Technologies

Google acquired the London-based artificial intelligence company DeepMind Technologies on January 26, 2014, for a reported $400 million. This acquisition significantly boosted Google's artificial intelligence and robotics capabilities.

June 2014: Google Cardboard Makes VR Accessible

In June 2014, Google introduced Google Cardboard, a simple and affordable virtual reality (VR) viewer made from cardboard. Users could insert their smartphones into the viewer to experience VR content, democratizing access to immersive technology.

2014: Google Maintains Second Place in Brand Value

Google continued its reign as the second most valuable brand globally in 2014, according to Interbrand's Best Global Brands report. The company held its position behind Apple Inc., demonstrating its consistent brand strength.

April 2015: Google Launches Project Fi

In April 2015, Google introduced Project Fi, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). This project aimed to create seamless connectivity and enhance internet speed by combining Wi-Fi and cellular networks from various telecommunication providers.

May 2015: Google Rebrands Webmaster Tools as Search Console

In May 2015, Google rebranded its Webmaster Tools suite as Google Search Console. This change reflected Google's ongoing efforts to provide webmasters with comprehensive tools for website management, optimization, and performance monitoring.

May 2015: Google Announces Plans for a New Campus in Hyderabad, India

In May 2015, Google revealed its plan to establish a new campus in Hyderabad, India, envisioned as its largest campus outside the United States with a capacity for 13,000 employees.

August 10, 2015: Google Restructures as Alphabet Inc.

On August 10, 2015, Google underwent a major restructuring, forming a conglomerate called Alphabet Inc. This move aimed to streamline its diverse business interests. Google became Alphabet's largest subsidiary, overseeing the company's internet-related ventures. Following the restructuring, Sundar Pichai assumed the role of CEO at Google, while Larry Page transitioned to CEO of Alphabet.

October 2015: Alphabet Adopts New Motto

Following the formation of Alphabet Inc. as Google's parent company, a new motto, "Do the right thing," was introduced in Alphabet's corporate code of conduct in October 2015. While Google, as a subsidiary, retained its unofficial slogan, "Don't be evil," the new motto signaled a shift in the overall corporate ethos.

October 24, 2015: Sundar Pichai Appointed CEO of Google

On October 24, 2015, Sundar Pichai was appointed CEO of Google, replacing Larry Page, who became CEO of Alphabet.

2015: Google Remains Second Most Valuable Brand

For the third consecutive year, Google secured the second position on Interbrand's Best Global Brands list in 2015. Maintaining its place behind Apple Inc., Google continued to be recognized for its significant brand value.

2015: End of Google's Sponsorship for the International Mathematical Olympiad

Google's sponsorship of the International Mathematical Olympiad, which began in 2011, was set to end after the 2015 event.

2015: DeepMind's AlphaGo Defeats Go Champion

In 2015, DeepMind's AlphaGo made history by becoming the first computer program to defeat a professional Go player. This marked a significant milestone in artificial intelligence, showcasing its ability to master complex games.

2015: Google Restructures Under Alphabet Inc.

In 2015, Google underwent a major corporate restructure, forming a parent company called Alphabet Inc. Following this, Google's stock tickers, GOOGL and GOOG, began representing Alphabet Inc., marking a significant change in the company's structure.

January 2016: Google Settles UK Tax Dispute

January 2016 saw Google resolve a tax dispute with the UK government. The tech giant agreed to pay £130 million in back taxes and commit to a higher tax rate in the future, bringing an end to the controversy.

March 15, 2016: Google Announces Google Analytics 360 Suite

On March 15, 2016, Google launched its Google Analytics 360 Suite, a package designed for enterprise-level marketers. The suite offered data and marketing analytics tools, integration with Google Cloud Platform's BigQuery, and promised benefits like understanding the customer journey, generating insights, and delivering engaging experiences.

July 2016: Gartner Estimates Google's Server Count

In July 2016, research and advisory firm Gartner estimated that Google had approximately 2.5 million servers in its data centers worldwide, highlighting the massive scale of its operations.

October 2016: Google Advances VR with Daydream View

In October 2016, Google unveiled Daydream View, a lightweight VR viewer designed to work with compatible smartphones. This device offered a more comfortable and immersive VR experience compared to the rudimentary Google Cardboard.

December 2016: Google Pledges 100% Renewable Energy for 2017

In December 2016, Google committed to using enough renewable energy to match its global data center and office energy use starting in 2017, making them the largest corporate buyer of renewable power.

2016: Google's Brand Value Remains Strong

Google's brand dominance remained evident in 2016 as it retained its position as the second most valuable brand globally, according to Interbrand's Best Global Brands report. The company continued to trail behind Apple Inc. in the rankings.

2016: Google Retires Nexus Brand, Introduces Pixel

In 2016, Google discontinued its Nexus brand of smartphones and tablets, replacing it with the Pixel line. This strategic shift signaled Google's commitment to developing premium hardware devices under its own brand.

May 2017: Google Search Introduces "Personal" Tab

In May 2017, Google Search introduced a dedicated "Personal" tab, enabling users to seamlessly search for content within their Google accounts. This feature streamlined access to personal data, including emails from Gmail and photos from Google Photos.

June 2017: Google Submits Plans for its New London Headquarters

Google submitted its plans for a new London headquarters to the Camden Council in June 2017. The proposed building, with a capacity for 4,500 employees, signified Google's continued expansion in the UK.

June 27, 2017: EU Issues Record Fine to Google for Antitrust Violations

On June 27, 2017, the European Union imposed a record €2.42 billion fine on Google for abusing its dominant market position by promoting its own shopping comparison service.

August 8, 2017: Google Fires James Damore Over Diversity Memo

Google terminated engineer James Damore on August 8, 2017, following his distribution of an internal memo that sparked controversy. The memo, which argued that biological factors contributed to gender disparities in tech, was deemed by Google CEO Sundar Pichai as violating company policy by "advancing harmful gender stereotypes."

November 2017: Google Achieves 100% Renewable Energy

By November 2017, Google reached its goal of 100% renewable energy by purchasing 536 megawatts of wind power from plants in South Dakota, Iowa, and Oklahoma.

2017: Google's Involvement in Project Maven Begins

Google began working with the United States Department of Defense on drone software through Project Maven in 2017.

2017: Google's Advertising Revenue Soars

In 2017, Google generated a staggering US$109.652 billion in revenue from clicks, accounting for 46% of its total profit. This revenue stream was primarily driven by its advertising platforms, including AdMob, AdSense, and DoubleClick AdExchange.

2017: Google's Tax Avoidance in the Netherlands

In 2017, Google was again under scrutiny for transferring $22.7 billion from the Netherlands to Bermuda. This move was widely seen as a tactic to minimize its tax obligations, reigniting the debate around its tax practices.

2017: Women Sue Google Over Alleged Gender Pay Gap

In 2017, three women filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming that the company violated California's Equal Pay Act by paying female employees less than their male counterparts.

2017: Google for Jobs Streamlines Job Searching

Prior to 2017, Google introduced Google for Jobs, an enhanced search feature designed to simplify job hunting. This platform aggregated job listings from various job boards and career sites, providing users with a centralized hub for employment opportunities.

2017: Google to Become World's Largest Corporate Buyer of Renewable Energy

Starting in 2017, Google aimed to purchase enough renewable energy, specifically 2.6 gigawatts of wind and solar energy, to match 100% of the energy consumed by its data centers and offices.

January 8, 2018: Google Hit with Discrimination Lawsuit

On January 8, 2018, a lawsuit was filed against Google by multiple employees and job applicants, claiming systematic discrimination against individuals based on their conservative political views, male gender, and Caucasian or Asian race.

March 2018: Google's Parent Company Alphabet Makes a Major Real Estate Purchase

Alphabet, Google's parent company, acquired the Chelsea Market building near Google's New York City headquarters for a record-breaking $2.4 billion in March 2018, marking one of the most expensive single-building real estate deals in the city's history.

April 2018: Google Employees Protest Project Maven

In April 2018, thousands of Google employees protested the company's involvement in Project Maven, a Department of Defense project for drone software that could improve the accuracy of drone strikes. They signed a letter to CEO Sundar Pichai urging him to end the controversial Pentagon contract.

July 2018: Mozilla Accuses Google of Slowing Down YouTube on Firefox

In July 2018, Mozilla's program manager, Chris Peterson, publicly accused Google of deliberately degrading YouTube's performance on the Firefox browser.

July 18, 2018: EU Fines Google €4.34 Billion for Antitrust Violations Related to Android

On July 18, 2018, the European Commission fined Google €4.34 billion for antitrust violations, alleging that the company restricted competition in the Android ecosystem.

August 2018: Google's Censored Search Engine for China (Project Dragonfly)

The Intercept revealed in August 2018 that Google was developing "Dragonfly," a censored search engine for China that would block websites and search terms related to sensitive topics like human rights and political dissent, though it was put on hold due to privacy concerns.

October 8, 2018: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Google Over Google+ Data Exposure

On October 8, 2018, a class action lawsuit was filed against Google and Alphabet due to a Google+ bug that exposed private user data.

October 9, 2018: Google Appeals €4.34 Billion EU Antitrust Fine

On October 9, 2018, Google confirmed that it had formally appealed the €4.34 billion antitrust fine imposed by the European Union.

October 25, 2018: The New York Times Exposé on Andy Rubin

On October 25, 2018, The New York Times published an article titled "How Google Protected Andy Rubin, the 'Father of Android'." The article revealed how Google had allegedly mishandled sexual misconduct allegations against Rubin, leading to internal turmoil and employee protests.

November 1, 2018: Google Walkout Over Sexual Harassment Handling

On November 1, 2018, over 20,000 Google employees and contractors participated in a global walkout. This demonstration was a response to the company's handling of sexual harassment allegations, with protesters demanding greater transparency and accountability.

November 2018: Google Unveils Expansion Plans for its New York City Office

In November 2018, Google announced plans to significantly increase its New York City office space to accommodate up to 12,000 employees, signaling its growing presence in the city.

2018: Google's Secret Project Nightingale Commences

According to reports, Google initiated "Project Nightingale" secretly in 2018, partnering with St. Louis-based healthcare provider Ascension to collect and analyze patient medical records.

2018: Project Vivian Launched to Counter Unionization Efforts

Google initiated Project Vivian in 2018 as part of a strategy to counter growing support for unionization among its workforce, marking a controversial chapter in the company's labor relations.

January 21, 2019: French Regulator Fines Google €50 Million for GDPR Violations

On January 21, 2019, France's data protection authority, CNIL, fined Google €50 million for violating the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

March 2019: Google Unveils Stadia Cloud Gaming Service

In March 2019, Google made its foray into the cloud gaming market with the launch of Stadia. This service aimed to revolutionize gaming by allowing users to stream and play games across various devices without the need for high-end hardware.

March 19, 2019: Google Announces Stadia Cloud Gaming Platform

On March 19, 2019, Google officially announced its entry into the video game industry with Google Stadia. Stadia was a cloud gaming platform designed to allow users to stream and play high-quality games on various devices without needing powerful hardware.

March 20, 2019: EU Fines Google €1.49 Billion for Anticompetitive Advertising Practices

On March 20, 2019, the European Commission imposed a €1.49 billion fine on Google for engaging in anticompetitive practices in the online advertising market.

April 2019: Former Mozilla Executive Accuses Google of Sabotaging Firefox

Jonathan Nightingale, a former Mozilla executive, accused Google in April 2019 of systematically undermining the Firefox browser over the previous decade to favor the adoption of Google Chrome.

June 3, 2019: DOJ Investigates Google for Antitrust Violations

On June 3, 2019, the United States Department of Justice announced an investigation into Google for potential antitrust violations. The investigation focused on concerns about Google's dominant market position in search and digital advertising.

September 2019: Google's $2 Billion Investment in Wind and Solar Energy

Google's CEO announced a historic $2 billion investment in wind and solar energy projects in September 2019, increasing the company's green energy profile by 40% and adding 1.6 gigawatts of clean energy.

November 15, 2019: Google's First Private Submarine Cable, Curie, Becomes Operational

On November 15, 2019, Google's first private submarine communications cable, Curie, connecting California to Chile, was completed and went live, enhancing data transmission speed and capacity.

November 2019: Investigation into Google's Project Nightingale

In November 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched an investigation into Google's "Project Nightingale," a data-sharing partnership with Ascension, to determine if the collection of patient data complied with HIPAA regulations.

December 3, 2019: Pichai Becomes CEO of Alphabet

On December 3, 2019, Sundar Pichai also became the CEO of Alphabet, Google's parent company.

December 2019: Bill Ready Joins Google as Commerce Chief

In December 2019, Google appointed Bill Ready, former chief operating officer of PayPal, to the position of commerce chief. Ready's role focused on expanding Google's e-commerce initiatives, although his responsibilities did not directly involve Google Pay.

2019: Google Offers Free Online Courses on Technical Writing

Beginning in 2019, Google demonstrated its commitment to improving technical documentation by offering free online courses. These courses aimed to help engineers enhance their technical writing skills, reflecting Google's dedication to clear and effective communication.

2019: Google Ends DoD Contract for Project Maven

Google's controversial contract with the Department of Defense for Project Maven, set to expire in 2019, was not renewed.

2019: Linwei Ding Joins Google

Linwei Ding, who would later be accused of stealing AI secrets, was hired by Google in 2019.

2019: Rise of the "DeGoogle" Movement

The "DeGoogle" movement gained momentum in 2019, with the online community /r/degoogle serving as a hub for individuals seeking to reduce their reliance on Google products due to growing privacy concerns.

2019: Rising Tensions Between Google and Employees

Throughout 2019, tensions continued to escalate between Google's leadership and its workforce. Employee protests erupted over various issues, including internal handling of sexual harassment claims, the development of a censored search engine for China (Project Dragonfly), and Google's involvement in Project Maven, a military drone AI project. These protests highlighted growing concerns among Google employees regarding ethical considerations and company practices.

January 25, 2020: Google Employees Form International Workers Union

On January 25, 2020, Google employees announced the formation of Alpha Global, an international workers union seeking to address concerns about employee treatment and workplace culture.

April 2020: Google Implements Cost-Cutting Measures Due to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Google implemented a series of cost-cutting measures starting in April 2020. These measures included a slowdown in hiring, a reevaluation of investments in areas like data centers, and a reduction in non-essential travel and marketing expenses. The company also transitioned a significant portion of its workforce to remote work due to the pandemic.

June 2020: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Google Over Incognito Mode Data Collection

In early June 2020, a $5 billion class action lawsuit was filed against Google, alleging that the company's Chrome browser continued to collect user data even in Incognito mode.

July 2020: Google Settles Google+ Data Exposure Lawsuit

In July 2020, Google settled the class action lawsuit related to the Google+ data exposure for $7.5 million.

July 2020: US Congressional Hearings on Google's Antitrust Practices

In July 2020, US Congressional hearings took place to investigate Google's antitrust practices.

September 2020: Google Offsets Past Carbon Emissions and Commits to Carbon-Free Future

In September 2020, Google announced that it had retroactively offset its carbon emissions from its founding in 1998. The company also committed to operating on entirely carbon-free energy by 2030.

October 2020: Google Pledges Sustainable Packaging and Zero Waste Manufacturing

Google committed to using 100% plastic-free and recyclable packaging for its hardware products by 2025 and to achieve UL 2799 Zero Waste to Landfill certification for all final assembly manufacturing sites by 2022 in October 2020.

October 2020: Google Rebrands G Suite as Google Workspace

In October 2020, Google rebranded its suite of productivity and collaboration tools from G Suite to Google Workspace. This rebranding reflected Google's vision of providing a more integrated and flexible workspace solution for businesses and organizations.

October 2020: Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against Google

In October 2020, the US Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit alleged that Google had abused its monopoly power in search and search advertising markets to stifle competition.

October 20, 2020: US Department of Justice Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google

On October 20, 2020, the US Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company had illegally maintained a monopoly in web search and search advertising.

2020: Google's Second Private Submarine Cable, Dunant, Expected to Begin Operation

Google's second fully owned undersea cable, Dunant, connecting the United States with France, was slated to become operational in 2020, further expanding its global network infrastructure.

2020: Google Overhauls Global Tax Structure

In 2020, Google announced a significant shift in its approach to taxes. The company decided to overhaul its globally controversial tax structure and brought back all its intellectual property holdings to the U.S.

2020: Google Shares Data with FBI on Black Lives Matter Protesters

In 2020, Google faced criticism for sharing data with the FBI on individuals who attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle, raising concerns about surveillance and privacy.

2020: Google Experiences Service Outages

Throughout 2020, Google encountered several significant service outages that impacted users worldwide. Notably, in August, an outage affected Google Drive and other services, followed by another outage in November impacting YouTube. In December, a widespread outage affected the entire suite of Google applications. However, Google addressed and resolved each of these outages within a matter of hours.

January 2021: Australian Government Proposes Media Payment Law

In January 2021, the Australian government put forward legislation that would require tech giants like Google and Facebook to compensate media companies for using their content. In response, Google threatened to restrict access to its search engine within Australia, igniting a debate about the relationship between tech platforms and news publishers.

March 2021: Google Invests in Ubisoft Ports for Stadia

Google reportedly invested $20 million to bring ports of Ubisoft games to its Stadia cloud gaming platform in March 2021. This investment was part of Google's broader strategy to secure major game titles for Stadia, aiming to attract gamers to the platform.

March 2021: Judge Rules Against Google's Dismissal Request in Incognito Mode Lawsuit

In March 2021, a federal judge denied Google's request to dismiss the class action lawsuit regarding Incognito mode data collection.

April 2021: Project Bernanke Revealed

In April 2021, The Wall Street Journal unveiled the existence of "Project Bernanke," a Google program that allegedly used historical data from advertising bids to provide Google with a competitive advantage in ad auctions. These revelations came to light amid ongoing antitrust scrutiny surrounding Google's advertising practices.

September 2021: Australia Seeks to Limit Google's Targeted Ads

The Australian government announced plans in September 2021 aimed at restricting Google's ability to sell targeted advertising. The government argued that Google's dominance in the advertising technology market had negative consequences for publishers, advertisers, and consumers.

2021: Google's Anti-union Campaign Exposed

Court documents released in 2021 revealed that Google had been running an anti-union campaign called Project Vivian from 2018 to 2020, aiming to dissuade employees from forming or joining unions.

2021: Alphabet Workers Union Founded

In a notable development in 2021, the Alphabet Workers Union was established, with a majority of its members being Google employees. The union aimed to provide a collective voice for workers and address concerns related to labor practices and workplace conditions.

January 6, 2022: France Fines Google €150 Million for Cookie Consent Practices

On January 6, 2022, France's data privacy regulator, CNIL, fined Google €150 million for making it difficult for users to refuse cookies.

February 2022: Google Establishes $100 Million Fund for Skills Training

In February 2022, Google announced a $100 million fund to support skills training and job placement programs for low-income individuals in the United States, collaborating with non-profits like Year Up, Social Finance, and Merit America.

May 2022: Google Acquires MicroLED Display Startup Raxium

In May 2022, Google acquired Raxium, a California-based startup specializing in MicroLED display technology. This strategic acquisition was aimed at bolstering Google's hardware development capabilities, particularly in the area of micro-optics and display integration.

June 2022: Google Settles Gender Pay Gap Lawsuit for $118 Million

In June 2022, Google agreed to a $118 million settlement in a gender pay gap lawsuit filed by three women in 2017. The lawsuit alleged that Google underpaid female employees in California.

September 14, 2022: Google Loses Appeal of €4.125 Billion EU Antitrust Fine

On September 14, 2022, Google's appeal against a €4.125 billion fine was rejected by the European Commission, which found that Google had forced Android phone makers to favor its search and browser apps.

2022: Google's Anti-Union Project Vivian Exposed

Court documents from a 2022 National Labor Relations Board ruling revealed Google's involvement in "Project Vivian," a covert initiative aimed at discouraging employees from forming unions.

2022: Google's Zero Waste Manufacturing Goal

Google pledged to have all its final assembly manufacturing sites achieve a UL 2799 Zero Waste to Landfill certification by 2022.

2022: Google's Fourth Submarine Cable, Grace Hopper, Set to Go Live

Google's fourth subsea cable, named Grace Hopper, linking New York, US, Bude, UK, and Bilbao, Spain, is expected to become operational in 2022, strengthening its global network connectivity.

2022: Google Expands Removal Policy for Search Results

In 2022, Google broadened its policy to allow the removal of personal information like phone numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses from search results. This expansion aimed to enhance user privacy while maintaining the availability of information in the public interest, such as news articles or public records.

2022: Google Pays Apple $22 Billion to Remain Default Search Engine on Safari

In 2022, Google paid Apple a reported $22 billion to maintain its status as the default search engine on Apple's Safari browser, highlighting the fierce competition in the search market.

2022: Google's Support for Ukraine During the 2022 Russian Invasion

In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Google donated $15 million to aid Ukrainian citizens and transformed its Warsaw office into a refugee support center.

May 1, 2023: Google Faces Backlash in Brazil for Ad Against Anti-Disinformation Bill

On May 1, 2023, Google faced criticism from the Brazilian government and judiciary for an ad on its Brazilian search homepage that urged users to oppose Congressional Bill No. 2630, an anti-disinformation bill. The company was accused of improperly influencing the legislative process and threatened with fines, leading to the ad's removal.

May 2023: Google Expands Data Center Presence in Ohio

In May 2023, Google revealed plans to construct two new data centers in Ohio, specifically in Columbus and Lancaster. These facilities, powered by AI technology, represent an investment exceeding $2 billion and aim to strengthen Google's infrastructure and support its growing range of services.

August 2023: Google Joins OpenWallet Foundation

August 2023 marked a significant moment as Google became the first major tech company to join the OpenWallet Foundation. Established earlier that year, the foundation focuses on developing open-source software to facilitate interoperable digital wallets.

2023: Lawsuit Alleges Google's Monopoly in Advertising Technology

In 2023, Google faced another lawsuit accusing the company of illegally monopolizing the advertising technology market.

2023: Google Issues "Code Red" to Accelerate AI Integration

In early 2023, prompted by the rise of ChatGPT and concerns about falling behind in the AI field, Google's leadership declared a "code red." This internal directive mandated that all major Google products with over a billion users must incorporate generative AI capabilities within a matter of months.

March 2024: Google Announces Gemini, Its ChatGPT Competitor

In March 2024, Google unveiled Gemini, its highly anticipated competitor to ChatGPT. Unlike previous chatbot attempts, Gemini was widely perceived as a serious contender in the AI chatbot arena, signaling Google's determination to lead in the conversational AI space.

March 2024: Former Google Engineer Accused of AI Theft

In March 2024, Linwei Ding, a former Google software engineer, was accused of stealing confidential AI information and providing it to Chinese companies.

March 2024: Google Photos Used for Surveillance by Israeli Defense Forces

In March 2024, it was revealed that the Israeli Defense Forces' Unit 8200 was utilizing Google Photos for facial recognition and surveillance purposes in the Gaza Strip.

March 20, 2024: Google Fined $270 Million in France for AI Training Practices

On March 20, 2024, French regulators fined Google $270 million for using news content to train its AI, Bard (now Gemini), without proper authorization or compensation.

April 2024: Google Settles Incognito Mode Data Collection Lawsuit

In April 2024, Google agreed to settle the class action lawsuit alleging the company tracked internet use even when users were in Incognito mode. As part of the settlement, Google agreed to destroy billions of data records.

April 2024: Google Introduces AI Training for Employees

In April 2024, Google rolled out an artificial intelligence training program specifically designed for its employees. This initiative aimed to equip its workforce with the knowledge and skills to develop and utilize AI effectively across various Google products and services.

April 18, 2024: Google Dismisses Employees Protesting Project Nimbus

On April 18, 2024, Google dismissed 28 employees who participated in protests against Project Nimbus, a contract with the Israeli government. The employees argued against the project's potential military applications.