Google Faces Backlash for Controversial Influencer Terms on Pixel 9

Separately, it was reported in The Hindu that Google, during the Pixel 9 launch event, had “reportedly given instructions to tech influencers that they can talk about competitors but they have to at least ‘ad-cument’ the new Pixel phones in their content, otherwise it will lead to break-up with the brand”. Many creators took screenshots of this and X and Threads were set ablaze with mentions of the same.

Below is a screenshot of the Google form sent to influencers, which says: “By participating in this program, you agree to prioritize the Google Pixel device over any competing mobile devices. Please be aware that if it seems that other brands are favoured over the Pixel, we will have to terminate the relationship between the brand and the creator.”

In a statement to The Verge, Kayla Geier, communications manager at Google, said it was “very poorly worded” and has since been removed.

She added that the form was specifically for Team Pixel, which is actually a different program than the traditional press and standard reviews. This in turn is run by the PR agency 1000heads with certain conditions.

Influencers and journalists participating in the program typically receive briefs and products under embargo ahead of or during an event, so that they could create social media coverage ahead of the public disclosure.

Some YouTube influencers, like Kevin Nether of The Tech Ninja and Adam Matlock of TechOdyssey, broke their silence to reveal that they had decided to leave the program due to the increasingly stringent terms. YouTuber Arun Maini, with 19.3 million subscribers, came out on the microblogging platform X to berate the tech giant for not sending him an invite for their Pixel 9 launch event in light of past critiques against their devices.