3 ms·

This part was interesting: >Sean Gerrish, Former Software Engineer: "Google must tread carefully in order to avoid litigation. In general, Google cannot do th

by Jerry2 10y ago

This part was interesting: >Sean Gerrish, Former Software Engineer: "Google must tread carefully in order to avoid litigation. In general, Google cannot do things like violate copyright laws without immediate, significant effects. This is exacerbated because governments' laws will change to affect Google itself." >"In contrast, many startups can run circles around Google, not because they are better at execution (although some of them are better at execution), but because they can often get quite far by flouting regulations or civil actions before being discovered." What would be an example of a 'law breaking startup'?

nailer 10y ago
uber and airbnb? I support uber (and some of these laws are stupid / give cab companies monopolys) but they obviously ignore or circumvent various laws around private hire vehicles. Airbnb knows many of their rentals are illegal but puts the burden on hosts to click a checkbox saying they're "aware of all applicable laws" and then abdicates all responsibility. Even Apple's moves limiting third party apps on the iPhone would probably incur the wrath of the EU if Google did them.
justinlaster 10y ago
Definitely Uber. Make no mistake, I use uber several times a week. But what they did is a complete circumvention of the law; it's why taxi drivers were so fed up, and somewhat hypocritically I do think uber needs to pay some fines. Uber's strategy was to spread fast and wide, faster and further than government regulatory agencies could notice or even deal with (and having a massive legal firm behind you helps with that) all while sticking a huge middle finger to legitimate entities within the system.
oautholaf 10y ago
Pre-acquisition YouTube was probably skating on thin ice here. Rumor has that eBay's origin was less pure than selling Pez dispensers. Having worked at many startups, I can say that it is very common for startups to have an 'original sin'.
- nailer 10y ago
  Snapchat was a teen sexting app before it was about 'Stories'.

by Jerry2 10y ago

nailer 10y ago

uber and airbnb? I support uber (and some of these laws are stupid / give cab companies monopolys) but they obviously ignore or circumvent various laws around private hire vehicles. Airbnb knows many of their rentals are illegal but puts the burden on hosts to click a checkbox saying they're "aware of all applicable laws" and then abdicates all responsibility. Even Apple's moves limiting third party apps on the iPhone would probably incur the wrath of the EU if Google did them.

justinlaster 10y ago

Definitely Uber. Make no mistake, I use uber several times a week. But what they did is a complete circumvention of the law; it's why taxi drivers were so fed up, and somewhat hypocritically I do think uber needs to pay some fines. Uber's strategy was to spread fast and wide, faster and further than government regulatory agencies could notice or even deal with (and having a massive legal firm behind you helps with that) all while sticking a huge middle finger to legitimate entities within the system.

oautholaf 10y ago

Pre-acquisition YouTube was probably skating on thin ice here. Rumor has that eBay's origin was less pure than selling Pez dispensers. Having worked at many startups, I can say that it is very common for startups to have an 'original sin'.

nailer 10y ago
Snapchat was a teen sexting app before it was about 'Stories'.