Google under fire after influencers were asked to choose Pixel phones over competitors
Google has come under fire after it asked influencers to agree to favor its new Pixel mobile devices over competitors’ devices when creating content for followers, as reported earlier on Friday by 9to5Google.
Content creators who took screenshots of the question and posted it to social media on Thursday evening were warned that their partnership with the brand would be terminated otherwise.
“If you opt into this program, do you acknowledge that you will be expected to provide the Google Pixel device in lieu of competitors’ mobile devices?” leaked screenshot of the message sent to influencers reads: “Please note: If it appears that other brands are being favored over the Pixel, we will have to end the relationship between the brand and the creator.”
CNET was not asked to agree to such terms when reviewing the new Pixel devices, and reportedly never would have done so.
Google unveiled its latest Pixel lineup on Tuesday, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold. The phones all feature hardware improvements, a new look and artificial intelligence on board.
Google said in an emailed statement that its influencer program, called TeamPixel, is separate from its review programs. “The goal of #TeamPixel is to get Pixel devices into the hands of content creators, not press and tech reviewers,” a spokesperson said.
The statement noted that Google missed the mark with language in its TeamPixel version, which has since been removed from the agreement.
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