[solaarphunk]

Google did everything right in terms of local execution to get all the required licensure and top talent, and then Sergey threw it away.

[seanmcdirmid]

Both founders having grown up in communist block countries supposedly had something to do with their aversion. At least that’s what I heard (was working for MS china back then).

[tgma]

Larry grew up in Michigan... a communist country?

(As I heard it, the legend is mostly attributed to Sergey pushing for it, and every time I've heard Eric talk about it it felt there was some disdain there, so I would agree with you that Larry was probably convinced also, otherwise Sergey alone wouldn't have pulled it off.)

[est]

And the worst part of a Communism is "planned economy", e.g. the state decides which app/service is good or not.