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Don’t be evil is an informal slogan for Google. This motto was conceived by two Google employees, Paul Buccheit and Amit Patel, in an attempt to promote a corporate culture that put long-term gains and user satisfaction above short-term profits. The company believes this philosophy benefits both users and shareholders and that Internet companies don’t need to exploit users to make money.
Don’t be evil is also incorrectly referred to as do no evil.
Techopedia Explains Don’t Be Evil
Google’s vision – as stated in the company’s 2004 IPO prospectus – was to conduct business in a way that is honest and free of any cheating. This slogan was also designed as an answer to Google’s competitors, which Google believed exploited users for short-term gain. Google executives liked the motto so much that they added several clauses within the company’s corporate policy, calling it the "Don’t be Evil Manifesto".
Whatever Google’s intentions, Don’t Be Evil has been subject to criticism from competitors, online entrepreneurs and privacy advocates who argue that Google has unjustly weilded its tremendous online influence and power.
