Picture this: it’s late at night, you’re mindlessly browsing the internet, and instead of scrolling TikTok or shopping on Shopee like a normal person, you somehow find yourself on Google Domains. That was Sanmay Ved in 2015 — just a regular evening, until life handed him the digital equivalent of striking 4D first prize.
So, there he was, casually checking domain names, when something totally impossible popped up. Google.com — yes, the most visited website on the planet — was showing as available. Available leh! At that point, anyone would have paused, rubbed their eyes, refreshed the page, maybe even checked if they were dreaming. But Sanmay? He decided to click “Buy” just to see what would happen. Spoiler: things got wild.
The $12 Moment That Broke the Internet (Briefly)
The transaction actually went through. Like, for real. With just $12, Sanmay became the legal owner of Google.com. Not metaphorically. Not “haha funny glitch.” Legitimately, for about one glorious minute, the domain was his. He even got the confirmation email — the kind that makes your heart jump like you just ordered something expensive you shouldn’t have.
Even more shocking, he gained temporary access to Google Webmaster tools. That’s like someone giving you the keys to the entire kingdom and saying, “Ya lah, go ahead, walk around.” And yet, this is where the plot takes a wholesome turn.
A Temptation Most People Would Fail
Let’s be honest. If most people got control of Google.com even for one minute, they’d probably take screenshots until their hard drive screams. Someone else might auction the domain for enough money to retire tomorrow. And others? They might just panic and pretend it never happened.
Sanmay didn’t choose any of that. Instead, he immediately notified Google about the error. No drama. No bargaining. No “Eh bro, I give you good price.” Just pure integrity.
And that’s where the story shifts from “lol what a bug” to “okay lah, humanity not so bad after all.”
Google’s Reaction — And the Unexpected Twist
Impressed by his honesty, Google offered him a $6,006.13 reward — a cheeky number referencing “Google.” But Sanmay didn’t keep the money. Instead, he asked Google to donate the entire amount to an educational charity in India supporting underprivileged children.
Google, clearly moved by this, doubled the donation to $12,000. From a $12 accident to a $12,000 blessing — not bad at all for one accidental click, right?
Why This Story Still Hits Different Today
In a world where people argue over who should pay for extra chilli sauce, Sanmay’s move stands out. It was a choice rooted in character, not convenience. And honestly, we need more of that.
This incident also showed how even tech giants — yes, even the “we know everything about you” type — can make shockingly simple mistakes. It’s a reminder that security is never perfect, and a single tiny oversight can expose even the biggest companies.
Plus, it delivered something money can’t buy: a global lesson on ethics, humility, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching (except maybe Google Analytics).
My Take (Don’t Say I Never Share)
If you ask me, this whole saga feels like life tapping us on the shoulder and going, “Eh, you good or not?” It’s easy to talk about values, but moments like these show who you really are. Would I have done the same? Honestly, I hope so — but if I saw Google.com available for $12, I’d probably need a moment to sit down, breathe deeply, and question reality.
Still, Sanmay handled it with calm, clarity, and heart. And that deserves respect.
Also, fun fact: imagine if he had bought Google.com.sg instead — confirm we all wake up to full-blown chaos on CNA.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this wasn’t just a tech glitch or some funny internet moment. It was a rare snapshot of human decency. A reminder that sometimes, doing the right thing pays off — maybe not in money, but in reputation, impact, and good old karma.
And honestly? In a world full of scammers, keyboard warriors, and people who cut queue at Kopitiam, stories like this feel like a breath of fresh air.
