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Play the Google Blame Game
Whenever Google is caught doing something dubious, even “evil,” its response is always the same: It’s someone else’s fault.

Whenever Google is caught doing something dubious, even “evil,” its response is always the same: It’s someone else’s fault.

The alleged source of Google’s troubles has changed over the years. When journalists or regulators have raised questions about its conduct, Google has pointed at different times to MicrosoftAppleRupert MurdochViacomOracleFoxAT&TMPAANBC Universalpublisherscompetitorscomparison shopping sites, “some existing providers,” “a small number of websites”—even “an anti-Google Industrial Complex.”

After a certain age, everyone, even multinational corporations, has to start taking responsibility for their actions. So, in honor of Google’s 21st birthday a few weeks ago, we pulled together a sampling of the company’s attempts to blame someone else for its questionable conduct. Because it’s Google, we’ve turned it into a Google Doodle for the occasion.

Enjoy!

October 9, 2019
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February 16, 2023

Facebook says it bans U.S.-designated terrorist groups. But the platform has generated more than 100 pages for groups like Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

February 6, 2023

Crisis pregnancy centers pose as abortion clinics but push an anti-abortion message. Google is helping them reach their target audience of low-income women.

January 19, 2023

Facebook bans ‘militia communities.’ But it’s hosting an array of militia groups that push misinformation about migrants at the U.S. southern border.

November 14, 2022

Facebook prohibits the buying and selling of accounts. But the platform hosts a thriving black market for Facebook business manager accounts that can run multiple ad campaigns.