It was a quiet night on September 29, 2015, when Sanmay Ved, a former Google employee, casually browsed Google’s new domain service, Google Domains. Unexpectedly, his eyes widened: there it was—Google.com listed as available for just $12. Thinking it had to be a joke or a mistake, Ved clicked purchase. To his astonishment, the transaction went through. For one brief but historic minute, Sanmay Ved owned the internet’s most iconic domain—Google.com1.
The Moment of Truth
Ved’s screen filled with notifications. He had access to internal Google webmaster tools, confidential information, and the administrative control of Google.com itself. Realizing the gravity of what had just occurred, he faced a crucial decision: exploit the glitch for personal gain or inform Google.
Ved, guided by unwavering integrity, reported the error to Google immediately. Within minutes, Google swiftly reclaimed its domain, restoring order and security. Yet, Sanmay Ved’s extraordinary decision had already set him apart.
Google’s Unique Gesture of Thanks
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation and Ved’s exceptional honesty, Google reached out with a reward: a playful and symbolic sum of $6,006.13—a numeric representation of “Google” in leetspeak. Ved, however, did not accept the reward for himself. Instead, he asked Google to donate the money to the Art of Living India Foundation, an NGO dedicated to educating underprivileged children2.
Inspired by Ved’s remarkable selflessness, Google doubled the donation to over $12,000, amplifying the positive impact on the lives of many children. Ved’s integrity not only corrected a potentially disastrous glitch but also transformed a momentary oversight into lasting good.
Integrity: The Pathway to Lasting Success
Sanmay Ved’s story exemplifies integrity at its finest. In a digital world rife with opportunities for shortcuts and quick profits, his actions remind us that true success is measured not by temporary gains, but by the strength of one’s character. His decision to prioritize honesty over profit inspired countless people worldwide, highlighting the profound power of ethical choices.
Lessons for Our Own Lives
Ved’s story teaches us a crucial lesson about integrity: it is not merely a moral ideal but a practical path to lasting respect and success. By acting ethically—even when no one is watching or immediate gain is possible—we set a foundation for trust, respect, and future opportunities.
For prisoners and their families, this lesson carries special weight. Integrity can rebuild lost trust, open new doors, and create pathways to success that are meaningful and lasting. Each decision made with honesty strengthens character, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with dignity and purpose.
The Rest of the Story
And so, what began as a late-night curiosity ended as a powerful testament to integrity. Sanmay Ved’s decision did more than correct an error—it showcased the transformative impact one person’s honesty can have on the world.
Sources
1. Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/man-who-bought-googlecom-domain-donates-reward-2015-10
2. CNBC: https://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/12/the-man-who-owned-googlecom-for-a-minute.html
3. The Marshall Project (Inspiration for integrity and self-discipline): https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/04/04/prison-self-discipline-quitting-soda-psychology
About Pathways to Success and Georgia Prisoners Speak (GPS)
At Georgia Prisoners Speak (GPS), we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking cycles of incarceration and building a better future. That’s why we created the Pathways to Success program—a dedicated initiative providing educational resources, skill-building guides, and financial literacy tools tailored specifically for prisoners and their families.
GPS is a prison reform advocacy platform focused on exposing systemic injustices, pushing for policy change, and empowering incarcerated individuals with the knowledge they need to successfully re-enter society. Our educational articles are part of this mission, ensuring that those impacted by incarceration have access to practical guidance that can help them build stability, opportunity, and financial independence.
To explore more resources, visit Pathways to Success.
