Google's Team Pixel program, which gives early access to Pixel devices to influencers, sparked controversy with a new clause in the Pixel 9 agreement. The stipulation required influencers to prioritize Pixel devices over competitors, with the threat of removal from the program if they didn't comply. This led to backlash from creators, who felt the terms compromised their integrity. Google acknowledged the issue, stating the language was a mistake and has since been removed. The incident highlights the ongoing ethical concerns around influencer marketing and product reviews.
SlipperyShrimp
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Google threatened tech influencers unless they ‘preferred’ the Pixel
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Discussion (3)
This kind of controversy is why ive taken a huge STEP back in trusting influencer reviews altogether.
If I want an honest opinion, I look at user reviews or forums where people arent under any kind of contract. Influencer marketing has become too polished and too corporate for my taste.
I feel like at this point we are making influencer marketing mistakes all over the place. And the whole system is on the verge of losing credibility altogether. It's hard to trust any "review" anymore
Companies need to learn how to work with the creator economy, it's still all fairly new so I think it's going take some time before there are defined ethics and standards that take hold