Things we know:
1) Google recently announced it is building their Web3/crypto strategy after staying silent for years. Google Cloud is hiring a legion of blockchain experts to expand its business:
2) Rich Widmann, the guy Google recently appointed as Google's head of strategy for digital assets at Google’s cloud unit, has been at pretty much all the Hedera Council meetings since Google joined. He also is on Hedera's Legal and Regulatory Committee. He Tweeted: "What a crazy and exciting week - can’t wait to bridge the Web 2 and Web 3 divide in a way that helps companies decentralize and scale! WAGMI"
I wrote this up detailing Google's Web3 ambitions: https://www.reddit.com/r/Hedera/comments/sfncd8/google_sees_the_writing_on_the_wall_and_are/
Long story short, they want Google Cloud to be Web3 infrastructure, and are potentially shifting from an ad-based income to an income based on Web3 infrastructure (node hosting on Google Cloud).
Google's blog post details their Web3 strategy: Google Cloud launches new dedicated Digital Assets Team
YOUTUBE BREADCRUMBS:
Neal Mohan, Chief Product Officer, YouTube - Feb 10, 2022
"Web3 also opens up new opportunities for creators. We believe new technologies like blockchain and NFTs can allow creators to build deeper relationships with their fans. Together, they’ll be able to collaborate on new projects and make money in ways not previously possible. For example, giving a verifiable way for fans to own unique videos, photos, art, and even experiences from their favorite creators could be a compelling prospect for creators and their audiences. There’s a lot to consider in making sure we approach these new technologies responsibly, but we think there’s incredible potential as well."
https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/innovations-for-2022-at-youtube/
Our boy - Rich Widmann Tweeted in response to Neal's post: "Very exciting to hear about all of the ways @YouTube is exploring new opportunities for creators to build in Web3. What will they launch first?"
https://twitter.com/RichJWidmann/status/1491798973048233988?s=20&t=ZlCTXokI0VnG5PpY8l2Kmw
Rich Widmann is well versed in regulatory/legal issues surrounding NFTs and Blockchain. Remember he serves on Hedera's Legal/Regulatory council. Check out this Webinar from Aug 2021 Fractional Ownership of NFTs and Blockchain in Real Estate Transactions: Key legal and regulatory considerations
YouTube is hiring a Web 3 director:
Youtube Seeks Web3 Director With Experience Trading Crypto, According to Recent Job Listing
"This week, Youtube published a job listing on Linkedin looking for a Web3 director with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related technical field. The job’s title is called “Director, Product Management, YouTube Web3” and it requires 15 years of product management experience in terms of minimum qualifications. As far as Youtube’s preferences are concerned, it hopes the candidate has utilized blockchain technology.
Preferences include “understanding of cryptocurrencies, blockchain, consensus mechanisms, NFTs, and other Web3 technologies,” and “experience buying, owning, and trading cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and tokens.” In terms of responsibilities the candidate must represent Youtube Web3 at executive-level discussions, external organizations, and industry events, and in executive-level conversations with industry partners and executive teams."
ENOUGH CRUMBS DAMNIT, WILL GOOGLE UTILIZE HEDERA?/WEN MOON?
Supporting evidence in favor of Google building on Hedera:
1) Google is part owner and governing member of Hedera LLC.
2) Google's recently appointed Web3/digital assets strategy guy has been at near all Hedera's council meetings and we know has been in contact with the team.
3) Hedera is mentioned by name in their Web3 strategy blog post.
4) Seems like Google is most worried about regulatory compliance when it comes to integrating DLT/crypto. Like all enterprises, they are very careful and slow to adopt. Regulatory compliance is Rich Widmann's bread and butter and its no coincidence they chose him of all people to not only delegate to Hedera and appear on their regulatory council, but to spearhead Google's Web3 strategy. They put a compliance lawyer in charge of their crypto dept. This is a huge signal of Google's priorities/mindset in this space. So aside from the obvious link to Hedera - Rich knows that Hedera is a network that is most focused on regulation...because he advises it himself.
So no one has a Crystal Ball, but...looks to me like we have a pretty decent competitive advantage. It is of course possible they will use multiple networks for different things.
