Google removes clause in Team Pixel program that threatens tech influencers
Google's Team Pixel program provides Pixel devices to influencers to generate publicity on social media.
#teampixel #google #pixel9
The Google Team Pixel program had a clause which banned influencers from featuring Pixel devices alongside competitor brands, and threatened to kick them out of the program if they showed a preference for other non-Pixel devices. (Photo: Google)
Google is coming under fire for the language used in its Team Pixel program.
The Verge reports that the Team Pixel agreement for the recently announced Pixel 9 phones has angered several tech influencers over a new clause. The link to the form has since been removed.
Based on the recovered screenshot of the Team Pixel agreement, influencers in the Team Pixel program had to feature Pixel products "in place of any competitor mobile devices".
In addition, they may face consequences of being kicked out of the program if Google sees that competitor devices "are being preferred over the Pixel".
The new language, which has since been removed, angered several content creators. (Photo: 1000heads)
In response to The Verge's question, Google spokesperson Kayla Geier said that the company "missed the mark with this new language". The offending clause has been removed from the #TeamPixel form.
Geier added that the #TeamPixel program is different from the press and creator review programs in that it aims to provide Pixel devices to content creators – not press and tech reviewers.
The choice of language has caused several influencers to exit the Team Pixel program. Creator Adam Matlock, the man behind the YouTube account TechOdyssey, has left the Team Pixel program. Another YouTuber, Kevin Nether of The Tech Ninja, has also left the program over this new clause.
YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHB, shared on X that he is not part of the Team Pixel program and hence not required to adhere to the new clause.
It remains to be seen if more tech influencers will leave the Team Pixel program or see press and tech reviewers state their dissatisfaction.
Source: The Verge
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