An investigation, in-depth in substance and playful in form, into the Google phenomenon, a company with dazzling success whose power is worrying.
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It is the most used search engine and the most dazzling economic success in the world. By compiling data distributed via the Internet, to which it gives free access, Google conquered the Web in less than eight years. Its story has already become legendary: in 1998, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, barely 24 years old, dropped out of their studies at Stanford University and created their company in a hangar. Nothing extraordinary at a time when the Internet bubble was swelling by the day. But while other start-ups are banking on portals and services, the two accomplices are inventing a powerful search engine based on algorithms and sponsored links so as not to pollute their immaculate white home page.

Their approach is intended to be ethical and non-conformist, their management based on creativity and the rejection of Wall Street laws. Nevertheless: isn't their business model, ultimately, strongly capitalist? Furthermore, the culture of secrecy cultivated by the company is worrying. Many people fear abuses in the field of intellectual property and individual freedoms, especially since Google's arrival in China. Can we believe, as its slogan proclaims, that Google "does not do evil"?

SHOULD WE BE AFRAID OF GOOGLE
Directors: Stéphane Osmont, Sylvain Bergere
Producers: ARTE France, No One, L'Envol
Year: 2007
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