He doesn't work for Google, nor did he implement the YouTube feature the intern called out. He implemented something similar in his own project. This was clear in the article.
That could be the case! But was it clear in the article? I just reread it and the author doesn't indicate where he works at all. He does, however, quote himself saying: "[...] I’m pretty sure I’ve written that exact code?"
Not 'related' or 'similar' code, mind you. Maybe that's where I assumed he was part of the team.
If you're right and he doesn't work for the company the piece becomes pure speculation.
Here's how an editor would quote that :
"I’m pretty sure I’ve written that exact (same) code?"
I'm sorry, but you have misunderstood the author. To me (and others) it's quite obvious that he doesn't work for Google, but has simply implemented a workaround for Edge that matches exactly what YouTube did, and (as you correctly surmised) speculated their reason for doing so.
Edit : I have changed my mind a little! It's not beyond the realms of possibility that he works for Google. However, I suspect not.
Not 'related' or 'similar' code, mind you. Maybe that's where I assumed he was part of the team.
If you're right and he doesn't work for the company the piece becomes pure speculation.