Google 自從創辦以來，一直都以「不作惡（Don’t be evil）」作為宗旨，而且寫在公司的行為守則中重複強調。不過最近就有人發現 Google 悄悄把這些字眼移除。
最近 Gizmodo 發現，Google 曾於 4 月或 5 月的時候大幅修改了他們的行為守則文件，當中原先在 2000 年開始已經寫入的「Don’t be evil」字眼大部分都被移除。之前的版本中出現該口號的段落如下：
“Don’t be evil.” Googlers generally apply those words to how we serve our users. But “Don’t be evil” is much more than that. Yes, it’s about providing our users unbiased access to information, focusing on their needs and giving them the best products and services that we can. But it’s also about doing the right thing more generally – following the law, acting honorably, and treating co-workers with courtesy and respect.
The Google Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put “Don’t be evil” into practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at Google will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct. We set the bar that high for practical as well as aspirational reasons: Our commitment to the highest standards helps us hire great people, build great products, and attract loyal users. Trust and mutual respect among employees and users are the foundation of our success, and they are something we need to earn every day.
So please do read the Code, and follow both its spirit and letter, always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage other Googlers to incorporate, the principles of the Code into our work. And if you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow Googlers or the company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. We want – and need – to hear from you.
而修改後的段落變成：
The Google Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put Google’s values into practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at Google will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct. We set the bar that high for practical as well as aspirational reasons: Our commitment to the highest standards helps us hire great people, build great products, and attract loyal users. Respect for our users, for the opportunity, and for each other are foundational to our success, and are something we need to support every day.
So please do read the Code and Google’s values, and follow both in spirit and letter, always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage other Googlers to incorporate, the principles of the Code and values into our work. And if you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow Googlers or the company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. We want – and need – to hear from you.
不過在行為守則的最後，則仍然有結末一句提及這個宗旨：「And remember… don’t be evil, and if you see something that you think isn’t right – speak up!」值得一提的是 Google 在 2015 年改組成立 Alphabet 的時候，該公司就已經不再在行為守則提及「Don’t be evil」。Google 方面未有回應相關報導，到底是要精簡行為守則不再重複提及，還是方向有變，就見仁見智了。
來源：Gizmodo