Team Pixel: Google bullies influencers to love only the Pixel 9

Google wanted to influence some influencers with a strict contract when testing the Pixel 9: Participants in the "Team Pixel" program will only receive a test device of the new Pixel 9 smartphone if their test does not include any competitor devices. In addition, participants must not give the impression that they prefer a rival product to the Pixel 9.

This is evident from screenshots from the contract form that several participants in the program have posted online. According to the form, if influencers do not adhere to the stated guidelines, Google will terminate the relationship with the content creator. This means that those who do not adhere to Google's rules will no longer receive devices.

The agreement applies to members of the so-called "Team Pixel", which includes some influencers. Press media such as heise online and c't were not bound by such conditions. Heise online and c't do not agree to any agreements that contain content requirements for reporting.

"#TeamPixel is a separate program from our press and creator testing programs," a Google spokesperson explained to the US technology magazine The Verge. Nevertheless, the wording is said to have overshot the mark. "This new wording, which appeared in the #TeamPixel form yesterday, missed the mark and has been removed."

Multi-class society at Google

The statement suggests a multi-class society: While the press and some influencers receive devices in advance without conditions, Google is apparently trying to influence other influencers with strict contracts and color reports positively. Those who refuse can lose access to Google devices and potentially risk losing their livelihood.

Several influencers have nevertheless terminated their Team Pixel membership in light of the new passage. "The program is no longer compatible with my ethical principles and not in the best interests of my channel," wrote the operator of the YouTube channel TechOdyssey in an X-Post.

Pressure on influencers

Influencer programs such as Team Pixel are not uncommon in the tech industry. Participants often get earlier access to new products, games or updates under certain conditions. They are often subject to overt or covert pressure to report favorably. Those who lose the favor of companies can be locked out of news and early access, putting them at a competitive disadvantage compared to other creators.

According to The Verge, the Team Pixel program is not managed by Google directly, but in collaboration with the marketing agency 1000heads. The aim is to recruit influencers and fans as brand ambassadors to promote Google smartphones. Participants in the program will receive the devices after the press and independent influencers, but before the official market launch.

(dahe)