Google World

Do you Google yourself? If not, maybe you should — just to see what comes up. In the past 10 years or so, the popular search engine has gone from a quick novelty to a media powerhouse, hosting a plethora of applications in progress, a free email system and even free blogs.

Essentially, the monster has become an advertiser’s dream, and is basking in the payday. There’s a slight problem with this free flow of information though: Google wants to take over the world.

"Google World" is a documentary airing this week on CBC’s Doc Zone that questions the idea of “cloud computing,” holding an alarming amount of personal information on a few small servers around the world, and the search engine’s hand in realizing that dream.

The timely doc, part of which was filmed in the Chinese Google offices, comes right on the brink of China’s decision to ban Google from the country, something its citizens don’t seem too concerned about so long as they have World of Warcraft.

“Don’t be evil” has become Google’s motto, but why does it want to accumulate everything from your documents, your music and maybe even your medical records and keep them in such an accessible place when threats like identity theft and con artists loom at every corner?

“Successful companies start with very audacious goals,” says Google CEO Eric Schmidt. “if Google achieves its goals, it will not just be successful; it may very well become the most powerful company in the world.”

“Google World” airs Thursday, Feb. 11, 9 p.m. ET, CBC Newsworld.

What do you think? amber@tvguide.ca or comment below

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