Ex-Google executive running for office criticises company for prizing profits over human rights
- Ross LaJeunesse is running for US Senate after leaving his job as head of international relations as Google last year
- In a Medium post, he said the internet giant had strayed from its “don’t be evil” motto while chasing profits in markets such as China and Saudi Arabia
A former Google executive running for US Senate called Thursday for tough regulation of tech titans, accusing the internet giant of straying from its “don’t be evil” path.
Ross LaJeunesse took aim at Google and other big US tech companies in a Medium post, contending that profits are taking precedence over human rights.
“The company’s motto used to be ‘don’t be evil,’” said LaJeunesse, who left his job as head of international relations as Google last year after 11 years with the company. “Things have changed.”
He is running as a Democrat for a US Senate seat in his home state of Maine.
Google rebuffed the criticism, noting that LaJeunesse’s remarks come in the context of an election campaign.
“We have an unwavering commitment to supporting human rights organisations and efforts,” a Google spokeswoman said in response to an AFP inquiry. “We wish Ross all the best with his political ambitions.”