Google was started with seed money from a CIA VC front called In-Q-Tel.
From the In-Q-Tel homepage..."In-Q-Tel identifies,
adapts, and delivers innovative
technology solutions
to support the missions of the Central Intelligence Agency and the broader U.S. intelligence community".
http://www.iqt.org/index.php
Google is repeatedly condemned by privacy advocates for their uber agressive use of tracking technology. Google knows who you are and every topic you have ever searched.
Recently Google came under fire for requiring that anyone who uses their new web browser hand over all rights to ownership of every file on their hard drive to Google. When this was discovered buried in the license to the browser, Google quickly characterized it as a 'mistake'.
Users who take advantage of all Google's 'free' services effectively give Google the ability to see every single thing that user has written, photographed, thought and done.
Google continues to play down the importance of the CIA front money but actions speak louder than words.
Microsoft came under similar scrutiny some years ago. There were accusations that Microsoft, at the behest of government, had created a back door into every single PC that runs Windows. The backdoor allowed government full and complete control of the computer to the govt as long as that PC was connected to the internet.
One version of Windows 95 had a file called 'NSA.key' which was visible in the system folder. When questions arose about what that particular file was used for, it was quickly removed (or renamed?) from subsequent versions of the software.
Government has a long history of working with private industry to snoop.
It has now been admitted by govt that they worked with cell phone manufacturers to require that every phone built have the ability have its microphone activated by the NSA and FBI - even while turned off. This technology has been brought out into the open during trials of mob figures. Yes, the FBI had acquired information about ongoing mob operations by listening to private one on one conversations that occured in the vicinity of an individual's cell phone - even though the phone was not in use at the moment. (FYI - this technology works whether the phone is powered on or not - the only way to circumvent it is to remove the battery from the phone).