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Google Doubles Down on Linux and Open Source (zdnet.com)
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, writing for ZDNet: Google couldn't exist without Linux and open-source software. While you may not think of Google as a Linux company in the same way as you do Canonical, Red Hat, or SUSE, it wouldn't be the search and advertising giant it is today without Linux. So, it makes sense that Google is moving up from its Silver membership in The Linux Foundation, to the Platinum level. With this jump in status, Google gets a seat on the Foundation's board of directors. This position will be filled by Sarah Novotny, the head of open source strategy for Google Cloud Platform. Earlier this week, Chinese tech giant Tencent joined the Linux Foundation as a platinum member.
That and if you have millions/billions of dollars invested in a Linux Infrastructure. Do you really want your competitors make decisions on what direction the product takes?
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
If you are Google it pays to purchase some cheap insurance against Microsoft doing something that could screw you.
Once you get to Google, Microsoft, Apple size, then you need people on all the key committees. These people purchase connections and goodwill. When an important decision comes up, you have the connections and goodwill to ensure it goes your way.