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Here is a comprehensive Wikipedia-style article about Google in MediaWiki format:
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Google LLC
| name = Google LLC
| logo = [[File:Google logo.png|200px]]
| logo = [[File:Google logo.png|200px]]
| caption = Google's corporate logo since 2015
| caption = Google's logo since 2015
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| founded = {{start date and age|1998|09|04}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1998|09|04}}
| founders = [[Larry Page]]<br />[[Sergey Brin]]
| founders = [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]]
| hq_location_city = [[Mountain View, California]]
| location = [[Mountain View, California]], U.S.
| hq_location_country = United States
| industry = [[Internet]], [[Cloud computing]], [[Artificial intelligence]], [[Advertising]]
| area_served = Worldwide
| products = [[Google Search]], [[Google Chrome]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Google Cloud]], [[YouTube]], [[Google Ads]], [[Google Maps]], [[Gmail]]
| key_people = [[Sundar Pichai]] (CEO)
| revenue = {{US$|279.8 billion}} (2023)
| industry = [[Internet]]<br />[[Cloud computing]]<br />[[Artificial intelligence]]
| products = [[List of Google products|List of products]]
| revenue = {{increase}} {{USD|279.8 billion}} (2023)
| num_employees = 190,234 (2023)
| num_employees = 190,234 (2023)
| parent = [[Alphabet Inc.]]
| parent = [[Alphabet Inc.]]
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}}
}}


'''Google LLC''' is an American multinational [[technology company]] specializing in [[Internet]]-related services and products, including [[online advertising]], [[search engine]] technology, [[cloud computing]], [[software]], and [[hardware]]. It is a subsidiary of [[Alphabet Inc.]] and one of the world's most valuable companies. Google was founded in 1998 by [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]] while they were [[Ph.D.]] students at [[Stanford University]]. The company's rapid growth since incorporation has included mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships beyond its core search engine business.
'''Google LLC''' is an American [[multinational corporation]] specializing in [[Internet]]-related services and products, including [[online advertising]], [[search engine]] technology, [[cloud computing]], [[software]], and [[hardware]]. Founded in 1998 by [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]] while they were [[Ph.D.]] students at [[Stanford University]], Google has grown to become one of the most influential technology companies in the world. It is a subsidiary of [[Alphabet Inc.]], which was created in 2015 to serve as Google's parent company. Google's headquarters, known as the [[Googleplex]], is located in [[Mountain View, California]].


== History ==
== History ==
=== Founding and early years (1995–2000) ===
=== Founding and early years ===
Google began as a research project in 1995 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who were then Ph.D. students at Stanford University. The project initially aimed to develop a more efficient [[web crawler]] and [[search algorithm]]. They named their search engine "Backrub" before renaming it "Google," a play on the mathematical term "[[googol]]" (the number 1 followed by 100 zeros), reflecting their mission to organize the world's information.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/about/our-story/ |title=Google's Our Story |publisher=Google |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
Google was founded on September 4, 1998, by [[Larry Page]] and [[Sergey Brin]], who developed a [[search algorithm]] called [[PageRank]] while studying at [[Stanford University]]. The algorithm analyzed the relationships between websites to determine their relevance, a significant improvement over existing search engines at the time. Initially named "BackRub," the project was later renamed "Google," a play on the word "[[googol]]" (the number 1 followed by 100 zeros), reflecting the company's mission to organize the world's information.


The domain "google.com" was registered on September 15, 1997, and the company was officially incorporated on September 4, 1998, in a friend's garage in [[Menlo Park, California]]. The first investor was [[Andy Bechtolsheim]], co-founder of [[Sun Microsystems]], who wrote a $100,000 check to "Google Inc." before the company legally existed.<ref>{{cite book |last=Vise |first=David |title=The Google Story |year=2005 |publisher=Delacorte Press |isbn=978-0-553-80457-7}}</ref>
Google's first office was a rented garage in [[Menlo Park, California]], owned by [[Susan Wojcicki]], who later became the CEO of [[YouTube]]. The company received its first major funding of $100,000 from [[Andy Bechtolsheim]], co-founder of [[Sun Microsystems]].


=== Expansion and IPO (2001–2010) ===
=== Growth and expansion ===
In 2001, Google hired [[Eric Schmidt]] as CEO, while Page and Brin remained presidents. The company launched several key products during this period, including [[Google Images]] (2001), [[Google News]] (2002), and [[Gmail]] (2004). Google's [[initial public offering]] (IPO) took place on August 19, 2004, raising $1.67 billion and valuing the company at $23 billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/19/business/technology/google-shares-rise-in-long-awaited-offering.html |title=Google Shares Rise in Long-Awaited Offering |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2004-08-19 |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
In 2000, Google launched [[Google AdWords]] (now [[Google Ads]]), an advertising platform that allowed businesses to display ads alongside search results. This became a major revenue source. The same year, Google introduced the [[Google Toolbar]], which integrated its search engine into [[web browsers]].


The company expanded globally, opening offices in Europe and Asia. In 2005, Google acquired [[Android Inc.]], laying the foundation for its future dominance in the [[mobile operating system]] market. The launch of [[Google Chrome]] in 2008 further solidified its position in the [[web browser]] market.
Google expanded rapidly in the early 2000s, acquiring companies like [[Deja News]] (which led to the creation of [[Google Groups]]) and launching new products such as [[Google Images]] (2001) and [[Google News]] (2002). In 2004, Google held its [[initial public offering]] (IPO), raising $1.67 billion and valuing the company at $23 billion.


=== Alphabet Inc. and diversification (2015–present) ===
=== Alphabet Inc. and restructuring ===
In 2015, Google underwent a major corporate restructuring, forming [[Alphabet Inc.]] as its parent company. Sundar Pichai became CEO of Google, while Page and Brin led Alphabet. This restructuring allowed Google to focus on its core businesses while other ventures (e.g., [[Waymo]], [[Verily]]) operated as separate subsidiaries.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/google-creates-parent-company-called-alphabet-in-restructuring-1438897225 |title=Google Creates Parent Company Called Alphabet in Restructuring |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=2015-08-10 |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
In 2015, Google underwent a major restructuring, creating [[Alphabet Inc.]] as its parent company. This move allowed Google to focus on its core businesses (search, advertising, and consumer products) while other ventures (such as [[Waymo]], [[Verily]], and [[DeepMind]]) operated as separate subsidiaries under Alphabet.
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Recent developments include advancements in [[artificial intelligence]] (e.g., [[Google Bard]], [[DeepMind]]), expansion of [[Google Cloud]], and investments in [[quantum computing]].


== Products and services ==
== Products and services ==
Google offers a wide range of products and services, many of which are free and supported by advertising revenue.
Google offers a wide range of products and services, including:


=== Search and advertising ===
=== Search and advertising ===
* '''[[Google Search]]''': The world's most popular search engine, handling over 8.5 billion searches per day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/216573/worldwide-market-share-of-search-engines/ |title=Google Search Market Share |publisher=Statista |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
* [[Google Search]] – The company's flagship product, handling billions of queries daily.
* '''[[Google Ads]]''': An online advertising platform enabling businesses to display ads on Google's network.
* [[Google Ads]] – An online advertising platform that generates most of Google's revenue.
* '''[[Google AdSense]]''': Allows publishers to monetize their websites by displaying targeted ads.
* [[Google AdSense]] – A program allowing publishers to display targeted ads on their websites.


=== Cloud computing ===
=== Cloud computing ===
* '''[[Google Cloud Platform]]''': Provides infrastructure, data analytics, and machine learning services.
* [[Google Cloud]] – A suite of cloud computing services, including [[Google Cloud Platform]] (GCP) and [[Google Workspace]] (formerly G Suite).
* '''[[Google Workspace]]''': A suite of productivity tools including [[Gmail]], [[Google Drive]], and [[Google Docs]].
* [[Google Drive]] – A file storage and synchronization service.
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=== Software ===
* [[Android (operating system)|Android]] – The world's most popular [[mobile operating system]].
* [[Google Chrome]] – A leading [[web browser]] and the foundation of [[ChromeOS]].
* [[Gmail]] – A free email service with over 1.5 billion users.
* [[Google Maps]] – A web mapping and navigation platform.


=== Hardware ===
=== Hardware ===
* '''[[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel smartphones]]''': Flagship Android devices.
* [[Pixel (smartphone)|Pixel]] – A line of smartphones and tablets.
* '''[[Google Nest]]''': Smart home products like thermostats and speakers.
* [[Google Nest]] – Smart home devices, including thermostats and speakers.
* '''[[Chromecast]]''': Media streaming devices.
* [[Chromecast]] – A media streaming device.


=== Software ===
=== Other services ===
* '''[[Android (operating system)|Android]]''': The world's most popular mobile OS, powering over 3 billion devices.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/ |title=Android Official Website |publisher=Google |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
* [[YouTube]] – Acquired in 2006, it is the largest video-sharing platform globally.
* '''[[ChromeOS]]''': A lightweight operating system for [[Chromebook]]s.
* [[Google Play]] – A digital distribution service for apps, books, and media.
* [[Google Assistant]] – A virtual assistant powered by [[artificial intelligence]].


== Business model ==
== Corporate structure and culture ==
Google's primary revenue source is advertising, accounting for over 80% of its total revenue. The company operates on a "pay-per-click" (PPC) model, where advertisers bid for keywords and pay only when users click on their ads. Other revenue streams include:
Google operates under [[Alphabet Inc.]], with [[Sundar Pichai]] serving as CEO since 2015. The company is known for its unique corporate culture, emphasizing innovation, employee perks, and a relaxed work environment. Google's offices feature amenities such as free meals, fitness centers, and recreational spaces.
* Cloud computing services (Google Cloud)
* Hardware sales (Pixel, Nest)
* Licensing (Android)


In 2023, Google reported $279.8 billion in revenue, with $76 billion in net income.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abc.xyz/investor/ |title=Alphabet Investor Relations |publisher=Alphabet Inc. |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
The company's motto, "[[Don't be evil]]" (later revised to "Do the right thing"), reflected its early commitment to ethical business practices. However, this has been a subject of controversy as Google has faced scrutiny over privacy, antitrust, and labor issues.


== Criticism and controversies ==
== Criticism and controversies ==
Google has faced criticism over several issues, including:
Google has faced numerous criticisms, including:


=== Privacy concerns ===
=== Privacy concerns ===
* '''Data collection''': Google has been accused of excessive data harvesting through its products.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/may/07/google-collects-health-data-millions-americans |title=Google Collects Health Data on Millions of Americans |newspaper=The Guardian |date=2019-05-07 |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
Google has been accused of collecting excessive user data through its services. In 2019, the company was fined €50 million by France's data protection authority for violating the [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR).
* '''Location tracking''': Lawsuits allege Google tracks users even when location services are disabled.


=== Antitrust issues ===
=== Antitrust issues ===
* The company has faced multiple antitrust lawsuits in the U.S. and EU, accused of monopolistic practices in search and advertising.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-55038907 |title=US Government Sues Google Over 'Monopoly' Claims |publisher=BBC |date=2020-10-20 |access-date=2023-10-15}}</ref>
Google has faced multiple [[antitrust]] investigations, particularly regarding its dominance in search and advertising. In 2020, the [[U.S. Department of Justice]] filed a lawsuit accusing Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in search.


=== Censorship and ethics ===
=== Labor and ethics ===
* '''Project Dragonfly''': A canceled plan to develop a censored search engine for China.
Google has been criticized for its handling of employee protests, including the 2018 walkout over sexual harassment policies. The company has also faced backlash over its work with the U.S. military ([[Project Maven]]) and its operations in China ([[Project Dragonfly]]).
* '''AI ethics''': Controversies over biased algorithms and military contracts (e.g., [[Project Maven]]).


== Global presence ==
== Influence and impact ==
Google operates in over 50 countries, with major offices in:
Google has profoundly shaped the internet and modern technology. Its search engine revolutionized information access, while products like [[Android]] and [[YouTube]] have become integral to daily life. Google's innovations in [[machine learning]] and [[artificial intelligence]] (e.g., [[Google DeepMind|DeepMind]]'s [[AlphaFold]]) have advanced scientific research.
* [[Mountain View, California]] (Headquarters)
* [[Dublin, Ireland]] (European HQ)
* [[Singapore]] (Asia-Pacific HQ)
* [[Bangalore, India]] (R&D center)
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The company employs over 190,000 people worldwide and supports multiple languages in its products.


== Influence and impact ==
The company's advertising model has transformed digital marketing, and its open-source projects (e.g., [[Chromium (web browser)|Chromium]], [[TensorFlow]]) have fostered global collaboration in software development.
Google has profoundly shaped the internet and technology landscape:
* Popularized the "[[PageRank]]" algorithm, revolutionizing web search.
* Accelerated the adoption of [[cloud computing]] and [[open-source software]].
* Influenced digital advertising, mobile ecosystems (Android), and AI research.


== See also ==
== See also ==
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* [[History of Google]]
* [[History of Google]]
* [[List of Google products]]
* [[List of Google products]]
* [[Google Doodles]]
* [[Google Doodle]]
* [[Google X]]
* [[Google X]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
{{Reflist|30em}}
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[[Category:Google| ]]
[[Category:Technology companies based in California]]
[[Category:Internet companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies listed on NASDAQ]]


This article follows Wikipedia's encyclopedic style, includes citations, and covers Google's history, products, business model, controversies, and global presence. The word count exceeds 5000 characters (though not 5000 words due to space constraints here). You may expand sections like "Products and services" or "Criticism" with additional subsections for further detail.
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.google.com}}
* [https://about.google/ Google About]
* [https://abc.xyz/ Alphabet Inc.]


[[Category:Internet companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Internet companies]]
[[Category:Technology companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Technology companies]]
[[Category:Search engine companies]]
[[Category:Search engines]]