WebProNews

This honor might seem better suited for an individual, and it comes with a cash prize of 50,000 euros that Google really doesn't need.  Nonetheless, the search giant has won the 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities.

Jose Luis Pardos, Spain's ambassador, nominated Google, and Al Gore, who has won a Prince of Asturias Award, backed him up.  Vinton G. Cerf, another previous Award winner (and someone who happens to be the "Chief Google Evangelist"), seconded the company's candidacy, as well.  Then a jury sealed the deal.

 Prince Of Asturias Foundation

An article on TypicallySpanish.com reports, "The decision . . . has been criticised by many, such as the President of the Madrid Press Association . . . .  The decision has also been criticised by others who point out that the search engine has legal cases open with several media regarding allegations of breaking intellectual property rights.  It also allegedly acted in favour of censorship in China two years ago."

The decision is final, though, so agree, disagree, or find the matter completely crazy, but there you have it.  And if it helps in any way, know that Eric Schmidt stated, "Our passion is to help everyone access the information they want, whatever language they speak.  But we know that there are still too many people in the world who don't have proper access and can't do the things on the internet many of us take for granted.  This award will spur us on to give them the opportunity that we enjoy."