Preface

Who Must Follow Our Code?

What If I Have a Code-Related Question or Concern?

No Retaliation

1. Serve Our Users
   1. Integrity
   2. Usefulness
   3. Privacy, Security and Freedom of Expression
   4. Responsiveness
   5. Take Action
2. Respect Each Other
   1. Equal Opportunity Employment
   2. Positive Environment
   3. Drugs and Alcohol
   4. Safe Workplace
   5. Dog Policy
3. Avoid Conflicts of Interest
   1. Personal Investments
   2. Outside Employment, Advisory Roles, Board Seats and Starting Your Own Business
   3. Business Opportunities Found Through Work
   4. Inventions
   5. Friends and Relatives; Co-Worker Relationships
   6. Accepting Gifts, Entertainment and Other Business Courtesies
   7. Use of Google Products and Services
   8. Reporting
4. Preserve Confidentiality
   1. Confidential Information
   2. Google Partners
   3. Competitors/Former Employers
   4. Outside Communications and Research
5. Protect Google’s Assets
   1. Intellectual Property
   2. Company Equipment
   3. The Network
   4. Physical Security
   5. Use of Google’s Equipment and Facilities
   6. Employee Data
6. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility
   1. Spending Google’s Money
   2. Signing a Contract
   3. Recording Transactions
   4. Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities
   5. Hiring Suppliers
   6. Retaining Records
7. Obey the Law
   1. Trade Controls
   2. Competition Laws
   3. Insider Trading Laws
   4. Anti-Bribery Laws
8. Conclusion

I. Serve Our Users

1. Integrity

   Our reputation as a company that our users can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continually earn that trust. All of our communications and other interactions with our users should increase their trust in us.

2. Usefulness

   Our products, features and services should make Google more useful for all our users. We have many different types of users, from individuals to large businesses, but one guiding principle: “Is what we are offering useful?”

3. Privacy, Security and Freedom of Expression

   Always remember that we are asking users to trust us with their personal information. Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy and security of that information. Our security procedures strictly limit access to and use of users’ personal information, and require that each of us take measures to protect user data from unauthorized access. Know your responsibilities under these procedures, and collect, use, and access user personal information only as authorized by our security policies, our Privacy Policies and applicable data protection laws.
   Google is committed to advancing privacy and freedom of expression for our users around the world. Where user privacy and freedom of expression face government challenges, we seek to implement internationally recognized standards that respect those rights as we develop products, do business in diverse markets, and respond to government requests to access user information or remove user content. Contact Legal or Ethics & Compliance if you have questions on implementing these standards in connection with what you do at Google.

4. Responsiveness

   Part of being useful and honest is being responsive: We recognize relevant user feedback when we see it, and we do something about it. We take pride in responding to communications from our users, whether questions, problems or compliments. If something is broken, fix it.

5. Take Action

   Any time you feel our users aren’t being well-served, don’t be bashful—let someone in the company know about it. Continually improving our products and services takes all of us, and we’re proud that Googlers champion our users and take the initiative to step forward when the interests of our users are at stake.

II. Respect Each Other

1. Equal Opportunity Employment

   Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment of any kind, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.

2. Positive Environment

   Google prohibits unlawful harassment in any form – verbal, physical or visual. If you believe you’ve been harassed by anyone at Google, or by a Google partner or vendor, you should immediately report the incident to your supervisor, Human Resources or both. Similarly, supervisors and managers who learn of any such incident should immediately report it to Human Resources. HR will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaints and take appropriate action.

3. Drugs and Alcohol

   Our position on substance abuse is simple: It is incompatible with the health and safety of our employees, and we don’t permit it. Consumption of alcohol is not banned at our offices, but use good judgment and never drink in a way that leads to impaired performance or inappropriate behavior, endangers the safety of others or violates the law. Illegal drugs in our offices or at sponsored events are strictly prohibited. If a manager has reasonable suspicion to believe that an employee’s use of drugs and/or alcohol may adversely affect the employee’s job performance or the safety of the employee or others in the workplace, the manager may request an alcohol and/or drug screening. A reasonable suspicion may be based on objective symptoms such as the employee’s appearance, behavior or speech.

4. Safe Workplace

   We are committed to a violence-free work environment, and we will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence in the workplace. Under no circumstances should anyone bring a weapon to work. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should report it to Human Resources immediately. In case of potential violence, contact Google Security.

5. Dog Policy

   Google’s affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture. We like cats, but we’re a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out.

III. Avoid Conflicts of Interest

• Would this activity create an incentive for me, or be perceived by others to create an incentive for me, to benefit myself, my friends or my family, or an associated business at the expense of Google?
• Would this activity harm my reputation, negatively impact my ability to do my job at Google, or potentially harm Google?
• Would this activity embarrass Google or me if it showed up on the front page of a newspaper or a blog?

• personal investments
• outside employment, advisory roles, board seats, and starting your own business
• business opportunities found through work
• inventions
• friends and relatives; co-worker relationships
• accepting gifts, entertainment and other business courtesies
• use of Google products and services

1. Personal Investments

   Avoid making personal investments in companies that are Google competitors or business partners when the investment might cause, or appear to cause, you to act in a way that could harm Google.
   When determining whether a personal investment creates a conflict of interest, consider the relationship between the business of the outside company, Google’s business and what you do at Google, including whether the company has a business relationship with Google that you can influence and the extent to which the company competes with Google. You should also consider 1) any overlap between your specific role at Google and the company’s business, 2) the significance of the investment, including the size of the investment in relation to your net worth, 3) whether the investment is in a public or private company, 4) your ownership percentage of the company, and 5) the extent to which the investment gives you the ability to manage and control the company.
   Investments in venture capital or other similar funds that invest in a broad cross-section of companies that may include Google competitors or business partners generally do not create conflicts of interest. However, a conflict of interest may exist if you control the fund’s investment activity.

2. Outside Employment, Advisory Roles, Board Seats and Starting Your Own Business

   Avoid accepting employment, advisory positions or board seats with Google competitors or business partners when your judgment could be, or could appear to be, influenced in a way that could harm Google. Additionally, because board seats come with fiduciary obligations that can make them particularly tricky from a conflict of interest perspective, you should notify your manager before accepting a board seat with any outside company. Google board members and employees who are VP and above should also notify Ethics & Compliance. Finally, do not start your own business if it will compete with Google.

3. Business Opportunities Found Through Work

   Business opportunities discovered through your work here belong first to Google, except as otherwise agreed to by Google.

4. Inventions

   Developing or helping to develop outside inventions that a) relate to Google’s existing or reasonably anticipated products and services, b) relate to your position at Google, or c) are developed using Google corporate resources may create conflicts of interest and be subject to the provisions of Google’s Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreement and other employment agreements. If you have any questions about potential conflicts or intellectual property ownership involving an outside invention or other intellectual property, consult Ethics & Compliance or Legal.

5. Friends and Relatives; Co-Worker Relationships

   Avoid participating in a potential or existing Google business relationship involving your relatives, spouse or significant other, or close friends. This includes being the hiring manager for a position for which your relative or close friend is being considered or being a relationship manager for a company associated with your spouse or significant other.
   To be clear, just because a relative, spouse/significant other or close friend works at Google or becomes a Google competitor or business partner doesn’t mean there is a conflict of interest. However, if you are also involved in that Google business relationship, it can be very sensitive. The right thing to do in that situation is to discuss the relationship with your manager and Ethics & Compliance.
   Finally, romantic relationships between co-workers can, depending on the work roles and respective positions of the co-workers involved, create an actual or apparent conflict of interest. If a romantic relationship does create an actual or apparent conflict, it may require changes to work arrangements or even the termination of employment of either or both individuals involved. Consult Google’s Employee Handbook for additional guidance on this issue.

6. Accepting Gifts, Entertainment and Other Business Courtesies

   Accepting gifts, entertainment and other business courtesies from a Google competitor or business partner can easily create the appearance of a conflict of interest, especially if the value of the item is significant. Google’s Non-Government Related Gifts & Client Entertainment Policy provides specific guidance on when it is appropriate for Googlers to accept gifts, entertainment or any other business courtesy (including discounts or benefits that are not made available to all Googlers) from any of our competitors or business partners.
   Generally, acceptance of inexpensive “token” non-cash gifts is permissible. In addition, infrequent and moderate business meals and entertainment with clients and infrequent invitations to attend local sporting events and celebratory meals with clients can be appropriate aspects of many Google business relationships, provided that they aren’t excessive and don’t create the appearance of impropriety. Before accepting any gift or courtesy, consult the Non-Government Related Gifts & Client Entertainment Policy, and be aware that you may need to obtain manager approval.
   Contact Ethics & Compliance if you have any questions. See the discussion of Anti-Bribery Laws in Section VII(d) for guidance on when it is appropriate to give gifts and business courtesies in the course of doing Google business.

7. Use of Google Products and Services

   Avoiding potential conflicts of interest also means that you should not use Google products, services or information in a way that improperly benefits someone you know or creates the appearance that you have an unfair advantage over users outside of Google. For example, you should never approve Google accounts, services or credits for yourself, your friends, or family members. If you find yourself subject to a conflict of interest regarding a Google product or service, discuss the situation with your manager, Legal or Ethics & Compliance.

8. Reporting

   Ethics & Compliance will periodically report to the Google Compliance Steering Committee all matters involving Google officers – VPs and above – approved under this section of the Code, and will periodically report to the Google Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee all matters involving Google executive officers and Board members approved under this section.

IV. Preserve Confidentiality

• properly secure, label and (when appropriate) dispose of confidential Google material;
• safeguard confidential information that Google receives from others under non‑disclosure agreements; and
• take steps to keep our trade secrets and other confidential intellectual property secret.

1. Confidential Information

   Google’s “confidential information” includes financial, product and user information. Make sure that confidential company material stays that way; don’t disclose it outside of Google without authorization. At times, a particular project or negotiation may require you to disclose confidential information to another party: Disclosure of this information should be on a “need to know” basis and only under a non-disclosure agreement. In addition, Google policy may require a prior security assessment of the outside party that is to receive the confidential information. Be sure to conduct the appropriate due diligence and have the appropriate agreement in place before you disclose the information.
   There are, of course, “gray areas” in which you will need to apply your best judgment in making sure you don’t disclose any confidential information. Suppose a friend who works at a non-profit organization asks you informally how to improve the Google search ranking of the group’s website: Giving your friend site-optimization tips available in public articles and on websites isn’t likely to be a problem, but giving tips that aren’t publicly known definitely would be. If you’re in a gray area, be cautious in what advice or insight you provide or, better yet, ask for guidance from Ethics & Compliance.
   And don’t forget about pictures you and your guests take at Google – it is up to you to be sure that those pictures don’t disclose confidential information.
   Finally, some of us will find ourselves having family or other personal relationships with people employed by our competitors or business partners. As in most cases, common sense applies. Don’t tell your significant other or family members anything confidential, and don’t solicit confidential information from them about their company.

2. Google Partners

   Just as you are careful not to disclose confidential Google information, it’s equally important not to disclose any confidential information from our partners. Don’t accept confidential information from other companies without first having all parties sign an appropriate non-disclosure agreement approved by Legal. Even after the agreement is signed, try only to accept as much information as you need to accomplish your business objectives.

3. Competitors/Former Employers

   We respect our competitors and want to compete with them fairly. But we don’t want their confidential information. The same goes for confidential information belonging to any Googler’s former employers. If an opportunity arises to take advantage of a competitor’s or former employer’s confidential information, don’t do it. Should you happen to come into possession of a competitor’s confidential information, contact Legal immediately.

4. Outside Communications and Research

   You probably know that our policy is to be extremely careful about disclosing company information, and never to disclose any confidential information without authorization. It’s also a bad idea to post your opinions or information about Google on the Internet, even if not confidential, unless you’re authorized to do so as part of your job. Your comments may be attributed to Google, even though you didn’t mean it that way. And never discuss the company with the press unless you’ve been explicitly authorized to do so by Corporate Communications. Finally, check with your manager and Corporate Communications before accepting any public speaking engagement. In general, before making any external communication or disclosure, you should consult our Employee Communications Policy and our Communications and Disclosure Policy.

V. Protect Google’s Assets

1. Intellectual Property

   Google’s intellectual property rights (our trademarks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, “know-how” and patents) are among our most valuable assets. Unauthorized use can lead to their loss or serious loss of value. Any use of Google’s trademarks and logos must be cleared in advance by the Marketing team. Report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos or other Google intellectual property to Legal.
   Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose Google and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties. Please seek advice from Legal before you solicit, accept or use proprietary information from others or let others use or have access to Google proprietary information. You should also check with Legal if developing a product that uses content not belonging to Google.
   A word about open source – Google is committed to open source software development. Consistent with our policy of respecting the valid intellectual property rights of others, we strictly comply with the license requirements under which open source software is distributed. Failing to do so may lead to legal claims against Google, as well as significant damage to the company’s reputation and its standing in the open source community. Please seek guidance from Legal and the Open Source Programs Office before incorporating open source code into any Google product, service or internal project.

2. Company Equipment

   Google gives us the tools and equipment we need to do our jobs effectively, but counts on us to be responsible and not wasteful with the Google stuff we are given. Nobody’s going to complain if you snag an extra bagel on Friday morning, but company funds, equipment and other physical assets are not to be requisitioned for purely personal use. Not sure if a certain use of company assets is okay? Please ask your manager or Human Resources.

3. The Network

   Google’s communication facilities (which include both our network and the hardware that uses it, like computers and mobile devices) are a critical aspect of our company’s property, both physical and intellectual. Be sure to follow all security policies. If you have any reason to believe that our network security has been violated – for example, you lose your laptop or smart phone or think that your network password may have been compromised – please promptly report the incident to Information Security. For more information, consult Google’s security policies.

4. Physical Security

   If you’re not careful, people will steal your stuff. Always secure your laptop, important equipment and your personal belongings, even while on Google’s premises. Always wear your badge visibly while on site. Don’t tamper with or disable security and safety devices. Watch people who “tailgate” behind you through our doors. If you don’t see a Google badge, please ask for it (and, as appropriate, direct the person to a receptionist for assistance). Promptly report any suspicious activity to Google Security. For more information, review Google’s physical security policy.

5. Use of Google’s Equipment and Facilities

   Anything you do using Google’s corporate electronic facilities (e.g., our computers, mobile devices, network, etc.) or store on our premises (e.g., letters, memos and other documents) might be disclosed to people inside and outside the company. For example, Google may be required by law (e.g., in response to a subpoena or warrant) to monitor, access and disclose the contents of corporate email, voicemail, computer files and other materials on our electronic facilities or on our premises. In addition, the company may monitor, access and disclose employee communications and other information on our corporate electronic facilities or on our premises where there is a business need to do so, such as protecting employees and users, maintaining the security of resources and property, or investigating suspected employee misconduct.

6. Employee Data

   We collect and store personal information from employees around the world. Access this data only in line with local law and Google internal policies, and keep it secure according to those standards.

VI. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility

1. Spending Google’s Money

   A core Google value has always been to spend money wisely. When you submit an expense for reimbursement or spend money on Google’s behalf, make sure that the cost is reasonable, directly related to company business and supported by appropriate documentation. Always record the business purpose (e.g., if you take someone out to dinner on Google, always record in our expense reimbursement tool the full names and titles of the people who attended as well as the reason for the dinner) and comply with other submission requirements. If you’re uncertain about whether you should spend money or submit an expense for reimbursement, check with your manager. Managers are responsible for all money spent and expenses incurred by their direct reports, and should carefully review such spend and expenses before approving.

2. Signing a Contract

   Each time you enter into a business transaction on Google’s behalf, there should be documentation recording that agreement, approved by the Legal Department. Signing a contract on behalf of Google is a very big deal. Never sign any contract on behalf of Google unless all of the following are met:
   • You are authorized to do so under our Signature Authority and Approval Policy. If you are unsure whether you are authorized, ask your manager;
   • The contract has been approved by Legal. If you are using an approved Google form contract, you don’t need further Legal approval unless you have made changes to the form contract or are using it for other than its intended purpose; and
   • You have studied the contract, understood its terms and decided that entering into the contract is in Google’s interest.
   All contracts at Google should be in writing and should contain all of the relevant terms to which the parties are agreeing – Google does not permit “side agreements,” oral or written.

3. Recording Transactions

   If your job involves the financial recording of our transactions, make sure that you’re fully familiar with all of the Google policies that apply, including our revenue recognition policy and our purchasing policy.
   Immediately report to Finance any transactions that you think are not being recorded correctly.

4. Reporting Financial or Accounting Irregularities

   It goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) that you should never, ever interfere in any way with the auditing of Google’s financial records. Similarly, you should never falsify any record or account, including time reports, expense accounts and any other Google records.
   Familiarize yourself with our Reporting of Financial and Accounting Concerns Policy. If you suspect or observe any of the conduct mentioned above or, for that matter, any irregularities relating to financial integrity or fiscal responsibility, no matter how small, immediately report them to Ethics & Compliance.

5. Hiring Suppliers

   As Google grows, we enter into more and more deals with suppliers of equipment and services. We should always strive for the best possible deal for Google. This almost always requires that you solicit competing bids to make sure that you’re getting the best offer. While price is very important, it isn’t the only factor worth considering. Quality, service, reliability and the terms and conditions of the proposed deal may also affect the final decision. Please do not hesitate to contact the Purchasing team if you have any questions regarding how to procure equipment or services.

6. Retaining Records

   It’s important that we keep records for an appropriate length of time. The Google Record Retention Policy suggests minimum record retention periods for certain types of records. These are great guidelines, but keep in mind that legal requirements, accounting rules and other external sources sometimes specify longer retention periods for certain types of records, and those control where applicable. In addition, if asked by Legal to retain records relevant to a litigation, audit or investigation, do so until Legal tells you retention is no longer necessary. If you have any questions regarding the correct length of time to retain a record, contact the Record Retention team.

VII. Obey the Law

1. Trade Controls

   U.S. and international trade laws control where Google can send or receive its products and/or services. These laws are complex, and apply to:
   • imports and exports from or into the U.S.;
   • imports and exports of products from or into other countries, with additional concerns when those products contain components or technology of U.S. origin;
   • exports of services or providing services to non-U.S. persons; and
   • exports of technical data, especially when the technical data is of U.S. origin.
   What constitutes an “import” or “export” under the law is pretty broad. For example:
   • exposing or allowing access by non-U.S. nationals to U.S. technical data can be an “export”, regardless of what country the exposure occurred in;
   • sending a server from one country (“country X”) into another country (“country Y”) is an export from country X and an import into country Y;
   • permitting the download of software from one country (“country X”) into another country (“country Y”) is an export from country X; and
   • transporting technical data or software on your laptop, or tools or equipment in your luggage, may be an export and import.
   The bottom line: If you are in any way involved in sending or making available Google products, services, software, equipment or any form of technical data from one country to another, work with your manager to be absolutely sure that the transaction stays well within the bounds of applicable laws. If you or your manager is not sure, please contact Ethics & Compliance.

2. Competition Laws

   Most countries have laws – known as “antitrust,” “competition,” or “unfair competition” laws – designed to promote free and fair competition. Generally speaking, these laws prohibit 1) arrangements with competitors that restrain trade in some way, 2) abuse of intellectual property rights, and 3) use of market power to unfairly disadvantage competitors.
   Certain conduct is absolutely prohibited under these laws, and could result in your imprisonment, not to mention severe penalties for Google. Examples of prohibited conduct include:
   • agreeing with competitors about prices
   • agreeing with competitors to rig bids or to allocate customers or markets
   • agreeing with competitors to boycott a supplier or customer
   Other activities can also be illegal, unfair, or create the appearance of impropriety. Such activities include:
   • sharing competitively sensitive information (e.g., prices, costs, market distribution, etc.) with competitors
   • entering into a business arrangement or pursuing a strategy with the sole purpose of harming a competitor
   • using Google’s size or strength to gain an unfair competitive advantage
   Although the spirit of these laws is straightforward, their application to particular situations can be quite complex. Google is committed to competing fair and square, so please contact Ethics & Compliance if you have any questions about the antitrust laws and how they apply to you. Any personnel found to have violated Google’s antitrust policies will, subject to local laws, be disciplined, up to and including termination of employment. If you suspect that anyone at the company is violating the competition laws, notify Ethics & Compliance immediately.

3. Insider Trading Laws

   As we said earlier, internally we share information, including non-public information, about Google’s business operations pretty freely (think of TGIF). In addition, you may overhear a hallway conversation or come across a memo at a copy machine, either of which might involve confidential information. To use this nonpublic information to buy or sell stock, or to pass it along to others so that they may do so, could constitute insider trading. Insider trading not only violates this Code, it violates the law. Don’t do it.
   You should familiarize yourself with Google’s Insider Trading Policy. It describes company-wide policies that address the risks of insider trading, such as:
   • a prohibition on any Google employee hedging Google stock; and
   • periodic blackout windows when no Google employee may trade Google stock.

4. Anti-Bribery Laws

   Like all businesses, Google is subject to lots of laws, both U.S. and non-U.S., that prohibit bribery in virtually every kind of commercial setting. The rule for us at Google is simple – don’t bribe anybody, anytime, for any reason.
   Non-government relationships. You should be careful when you give gifts and pay for meals, entertainment or other business courtesies on behalf of Google. We want to avoid the possibility that the gift, entertainment or other business courtesy could be perceived as a bribe, so it’s always best to provide such business courtesies infrequently and, when we do, to keep their value moderate. Consult Google’s Non-Government Related Gifts and Client Entertainment Policy before providing any business courtesies and contact Ethics & Compliance if you have any questions.
   Dealing with government officials. Offering gifts, entertainment or other business courtesies that could be perceived as bribes becomes especially problematic if you’re dealing with a government official. “Government officials” include any government employee; candidate for public office; or employee of government-owned or -controlled companies, public international organizations, or political parties. Several laws around the world, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act, specifically prohibit offering or giving anything of value to government officials to influence official action or to secure an improper advantage. This not only includes traditional gifts, but also things like meals, travel, political or charitable contributions and job offers for government officials’ relatives. Never give gifts to thank government officials for doing their jobs. By contrast, it can be permissible to make infrequent and moderate expenditures for gifts and business entertainment for government officials that are directly tied to promoting our products or services (e.g., providing a modest meal at a day-long demonstration of Google products). Payment of such expenses can be acceptable (assuming they are permitted under local law) but may require pre-approval from Ethics & Compliance under Google’s Anti-Bribery and Government Ethics Policy.
   The U.S. also has strict rules that severely limit the ability of a company or its employees to give gifts and business courtesies to a U.S. government official and also limit the official’s ability to accept such gifts. The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act prohibits giving any gifts, including travel and other courtesies, to Members, Officers and employees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives unless they fit within one of a number of specific exceptions. Gifts to employees of the U.S. executive branch are also regulated and subject to limits. Finally, state and local government officials in the U.S. are also subject to additional legal restrictions. Consult Google’s Anti-Bribery and Government Ethics Policy before giving any such gifts or business courtesies and obtain all required pre-approvals.
   In sum, before offering any gifts or business courtesies to a U.S. or other government official, you should consult Google’s Anti-Bribery and Government Ethics Policy. Carefully follow the limits and prohibitions described there, and obtain any required pre-approvals. If after consulting the Policy you aren’t sure what to do, ask Ethics & Compliance.

VIII. Conclusion

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