Our take on Google Engineer Bets on Search Trends, Proves 'Don't Be Evil' Was Just a Beta Test
A Google insider turned search data into a million-dollar bet on Polymarket, bending 'Don't be evil' to its limits.
Michele Spagnuolo, a Google information security engineer, allegedly used internal search trends to place sure bets on prediction markets, netting over $1.2 million. It's a masterclass in exploiting the gap between corporate slogans and actual accountability, especially when your motto is more of a historical footnote than a daily practice.
Google's response was typical: a policy reminder and immediate leave, as if this is just a minor HR hiccup. Meanwhile, Polymarket's tightening security, but not before another insider, a soldier, also tried his hand at profiting from classified info, proving that when it comes to 'Don't be evil,' it's really just 'Don't be caught.'