From Light Reading
The telecom industry's concerns about the growing strength and dominance of Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - message board) were further realized Tuesday when the Internet advertising and search giant disclosed in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it has developed nuclear capabilities to help power its business and protect itself from "unforeseen events."
Google noted in a 'Form AF' that while its nuclear installations (locations unspecified) have been developed initially to help power its enormous server farms, the same capabilities will likely be used to develop "land-based defense systems" that could help thwart "terrorist threats" and "hostile takeovers," and take it a step further towards its goal of becoming an independent sovereign, but profitable, entity.
Top White House officials say they're worried about Google's nuclear capability, but were quick to praise the Internet company for its full disclosure. "We have to stay on their good side somehow, and it should be noted that, in filing its Form AF, Google is in full compliance with current financial and nuclear regulations," said one top Defense Department source, who asked not to be named.
And in an off-guard moment, the official noted that he was more concerned that Google "has every Web search I've ever done, all my home videos, and copies of hundreds of emails to a number of former coworkers I really wish I'd never written."
Still in 'beta'
Asked how quickly the Internet firm might be able to develop its own defense products, a Google spokesman noted that the nuclear arsenal is still only in beta. "And it will remain in beta for years. Just watch," he added.
"This move is a perfect fit for our core competencies, which include spotting new gaps in the market, preparing for all eventualities, and putting our SWOT [strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats] analysis into action instead of just filing and forgetting it, as some of our competitors do," added the spokesman.
The development, while getting a reluctant thumbs up from government officials, appears to be creating divisive factions within Google itself, if internal, but public, blogs are anything to go by.
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