With Google becoming not only a worldwide power-brand but also the ubiquitous choice for a number of online services it is sometimes difficult to view any movement from this conglomerate as a simple benevolent action. Can some of its activities be simply fuelled by altruism?
You could perhaps argue that many of its free services pay off for Google in other ways – perhaps the Chrome browser allows users to become comfortable with the Chrome interface before Chrome OS is launched at a later date, etc.
Yet on this occasion cynicism must take a back seat as The Guardian is reporting that Google looks set to publish a leaflet (a sort of ‘physical pdf’, if you will) entitled “The Simple Guide to the Internet”. This leaflet shows Google’s dedication to the government backed scheme started by digital inclusion champion Martha Lane Fox – “Race Online 2012” – which looks to target the 10 million people in the UK who have never used the internet and get as many online as possible by the London Olympics.
The Google leaflet will be found in places that help the ‘digitally excluded’ such as libraries and charities and will contain information about how to perform essential online activities. Google hopes to reach 1 million people with its leaflet and matching website.
All in all this looks like a great project that is to the benefit of all….hopefully I can be cynical and sarcastic again tomorrow, fingers crossed.
..More information can be found on The Guardian and Race Online 2012 sites.
Here is a video from Martha Lane Fox on Race Online 2012:
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