Google has come under fire for pressuring tech influencers to only promote its new Pixel phone or risk being excluded from a program offering early access to the device.
The tech giant is inviting content creators to join its “Team Pixel” program, giving them early access to devices. Earlier this month, Google unveiled a new lineup of Pixel phones designed to better integrate with its artificial intelligence tools.
If influencers participate in the program, they are “expected to feature Google Pixel devices in place of competitors’ mobile devices,” according to the screenshot. Acquired by The Verge and It’s spreading on social media.
Influencers are being warned that they should “sever ties with brands and creators if other brands appear to be preferred over Pixel.”
The provision immediately raised alarm among some content creators, who saw the move as an effort by Google to guarantee positive reviews for its latest Pixel models under the guise of sponsored content.
Max Weinbach, an analyst and former Team Pixel member, said: He noted that this provision is “new.” this year.
Tech commentator Adam Matlock said he was “officially leaving Team Pixel” in protest.
“While it has worked well in the past, this show is no longer in line with my ethics or the best interests of my channel or the content I provide to my viewers.” Matlock wrote to X..
Marques Brownlee, a well-known tech product reviewer who is not affiliated with Team Pixel, argued that the policy will make it harder for consumers to distinguish between unbiased reviews and paid content.
“It’s a little frustrating for people who are trying to do reviews,” Brownlee said. X said in a video“My advice would be, if you’re a technical reviewer, never sign up for anything that prioritizes one particular thing over another. If you’re trying to present an objective review, that’s not a good objective move.”
In a statement to The Verge, a Google spokesperson said, “#TeamPixel is a separate program from our reporting and creator review programs,” adding that similar requirements don’t apply to Pixel reporting.
The Team Pixel program is a collaboration between Google and PR firm 1000heads. Participants must include the hashtags “#teampixel” or “#giftfromgoogle” in their posts to comply with federal disclosure rules.
“#TeamPixel’s goal is to put Pixel devices in the hands of content creators, not press and tech commentators,” the spokesperson said. “This new language that appeared on the #TeamPixel form yesterday was irrelevant and has been removed.”
Representatives for Google and 1000heads did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
