Google UK on mission to brainwash news media

Google UK has a certain knack for borging members of the mainstream news media. And when it's not swallowing these poor souls whole, it's at least working to control their minds.

For the past two years, Google's British PR team has been run by Peter Barron, the former editor of BBC Newsnight, and according to The Guardian, that role will now go to former Times technology correspondent Mike Harvey, as Barron takes on a new position within the company.

Harvey started work this week at Google's Mountain View headquarters, The Guardian says. And we can't help but wonder if the company is planting a chip in his brain.

The Guardian also says that former Daily Telegraph technology editor Claudine Beaumont is joining the company, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Google UK is advertising for a new communications and public affairs manager for its "geo products," including Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View. The person — the company says — will be charged with, among other things, "mitigating any negative media coverage that might lead to unnecessary regulation or interference that would inhibit our ability to serve our users."

Nothing you didn't already know, really. But amusing nonetheless. ®