Google Lets Its Vikings Speak! Has Ragnar Lothbrok Returned?!

Freedom of Speech! Like Sagas Told Around the Fire!

Hark news reaches even my longhall! Google that giant of the modern world has unshackled its thralls! No longer must they bite their tongues about the coming storm – the antitrust lawsuit brought against them by the U.S. Department of Justice. It seems these 'workers' raised enough of a din that even the gods of technology took notice! 'My sons would never fear to speak their minds,' I would tell them though I wonder if they would be so bold before these 'lawsuits'. But what is a lawsuit but a declaration of war of sorts? A war of words fought with documents instead of axes. And how do we win wars my friends? By speaking our minds telling our sagas and making sure our voices are heard even by the gods!

Google's Longship Takes on Water!

It seems Google has been trying to plug the holes in its ship silencing its crew from shouting about the leaks! They settled with the Alphabet Workers Union – a band of… well workers who apparently can't be silenced. Since 2019 they've faced increasing censorship on everything from politics to… defense contracts? Ha! As if a Viking would ever need a 'contract' to defend his land! We take what is ours with steel and courage! But Google’s way works too. It would seem from a distance...

The Gods of Justice Demand Sacrifice!

In 2020 these 'Department of Justice' types launched their attack claiming Google keeps its grip on the search market by making it hard for others to compete. They call it a 'feedback loop.' I call it clever strategy! But alas even the gods of Asgard are not immune to challenges. And Google it seems has been told to change its ways.

Break Up the Chrome! (Is That Like Breaking an Axe?)

The DOJ is even considering breaking up Google's Chrome web browser. Break it up! Like shattering an axe against a shield wall? They say it gives Google an unfair advantage. I say 'A wise ruler never sets himself on an open plain!' If you have an advantage use it! But I suppose in this strange new world fairness is more important than victory. Or is it? I am starting to wonder.

Beware Overbroad Directives!

Following some court ruling Google's president of global affairs (a fancy title if I ever heard one) sent a companywide email telling employees to shut their traps. The Alphabet Workers Union cried foul saying it was an 'overly broad directive'. These workers understand that to be alive is to communicate with other people and also that the gods love when they work together!

To Speak or Not to Speak? That is the Question!

So Google settled. They claim they didn't agree with the ruling but wanted to avoid a long fight. 'To avoid lengthy litigation we agreed to remind employees that they have the right to talk about their employment,' says some spokesperson. 'They've always been free to and regularly do.' Ah sweet freedom! Though I still believe as I once said 'Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst and corrupts the best.' Let us hope these Google workers use their newfound voices wisely and tell tales worthy of the gods!