The answer to that is a resounding, YES they do and lie about it openly. Google is now in a mess that will cost them more than they could ever imagine. Its funny, and amazing, how Karma always reaches out to those entities who act like they own everything and everyone. Always calling out something or someone other than themselves. Those who never "reflect" on the what if and should it happen to us scenarios. The article below spells it out clearly and simply. When the cat gets out of it bag, its out.
https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/29/24167407/google-search-algorithm-documents-leak-confirmation