The Man Who Owned Google.com—for One Minute

In 2015, Google accidentally put its own domain up for sale. A former employee saw the listing and bought it for just $12. Google was stunned—and had to contact him to get their domain back.

They feared he might demand millions, but he didn’t ask for $100,000. He didn’t ask for $100 million. Instead, he made an unusual request: he told Google to donate whatever amount they wanted to a charity.

Google appreciated his integrity and recovered their domain—but the story behind that one minute made headlines across the world.

The Night Google Lost Google.com

At 1:20 a.m. on September 29, 2015, one of the world’s most visited domains—**http://google.com**—suddenly became available for purchase.

That web address, the digital front door of one of the world’s most powerful technology companies, went on sale for just twelve dollars.

Something had gone very wrong that night.

Due to a system error, Google's domain had accidentally been listed for public sale. And just when most people would have dismissed it as a glitch, one man knew it was real.

That man was Sanmay Ved, a former Google employee.

A Golden Opportunity for $12

Sanmay Ved, who had worked as an Account Strategist at Google between 2007 and 2012, was casually browsing domains through Google Domains when he noticed something bizarre:

Google.com was available for purchase—for $12.

At first, he thought it was a joke or a system error. But curiosity got the better of him. He clicked "Add to Cart." He entered his card information and proceeded with the transaction, expecting the system to reject the request.

But to his astonishment—the purchase went through.

He received a confirmation email.

The $12 was deducted from his card.

And in that moment, Sanmay Ved became the legal owner of Google.com.

Becoming Google (For a Minute)

As soon as the purchase was completed, Sanmay began receiving internal updates from Google—security alerts, admin controls, and backend access. He could view confidential data from various Google sites. He had access to the Google Webmaster Tools—the inner control panel used to manage websites on the platform.

Incredibly, Sanmay had gained access to one of the most valuable digital properties in human history—not through hacking or theft, but with a simple $12 purchase.

He could have redirected all global traffic, disrupted services, or even claimed to be the most powerful domain owner on Earth.

But he didn’t.

Instead, he did something extraordinary.

Choosing Integrity Over Fame

Within minutes, Sanmay contacted Google and informed them of the error.

He was only the owner of Google.com for about one minute before the domain was taken back by the company.

In that short span, Sanmay had the power to do immense damage or gain instant global fame. But he chose honesty.

He alerted the security team, returned the domain without condition, and made no effort to exploit the situation.

The Unexpected Reward

Impressed by his honesty, Google offered Sanmay a monetary reward: $6,006.13.

At first glance, the number may seem random—but it wasn't.

In "leet speak" (a form of stylized writing used by tech enthusiasts), 6 = G, 0 = O, 6 = G, 1 = L, 3 = E — spelling out “Google.”

It was a clever, geeky tribute from Google to thank Sanmay.

But once again, Sanmay surprised everyone.

He refused to take the money for himself.

Instead, he requested that Google donate the reward to a charity of his choice.

A Gift That Multiplied

Sanmay asked that the money be donated to Art of Living India Foundation, a nonprofit organization that runs over 1,200 schools across India, providing free education to underprivileged children.

His goal was simple: use the moment to help those who have nothing.

Google was not only moved by his generosity—they doubled the donation.

They didn't do it because he asked. They did it because his act of integrity inspired them.

What started as a momentary domain mishap became a gift that would support the education and future of hundreds of children.

A Lesson for the Digital Age

Sanmay Ved had the opportunity to take advantage of one of the most valuable errors in internet history.

He could’ve claimed fame, money, or power.

But instead, he chose kindness.

He chose humility.

He used his brief moment of control—not for personal gain—but for the good of others.

He showed the world that real power doesn’t come from what you take—it comes from what you choose to give.

The Legacy of One Honest Minute

Even today, this incident serves as a powerful reminder:

Real wealth isn’t measured by how much you earn—but by how much good you do.

Sanmay Ved held the most visited domain in the world for just one minute. But in that short time, he left behind a legacy far greater than money.

He proved that in a world driven by profit and ambition, there’s still room for honesty, compassion, and purpose.

And that sometimes, even the smallest acts of integrity—done in the blink of an eye—can change lives forever.