In the absence of standard checks and balances, the public was asked to simply “trust” the founders. Schmidt would voice this theme on their behalf whenever challenged on the subject. For example, at the Cato Institute in December 2014, Schmidt was asked about the possibility of abuse of power at Google. He simply assured the audience of the continuity of the firm’s dynastic line. Page had succeeded Schmidt as CEO in 2011, and the current leaders would handpick future leaders: “We’re fine with Larry… same circus, same clowns… it’s the same people… all of us who built Google have the same view, and I am sure our successors will have the same view.”

Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Cap…, loc. 323