Tech giant Google is facing serious criticism after it was alleged that it would terminate influencers that failed to promote its Pixel mobile phone.
The news comes after influencers were requested to provide insights on which mobile devices they preferred as the latest Pixel phone was launched. As per @Marks_Tech, the Android maker warned against the act of choosing other rival devices over theirs.
The shocking demand left many creators and influencers startled as they took screenshots of the company’s demand. Now, it’s going viral with the company left with no choice but to issue a public apology on the matter.
Social media was full of such alarming images of Google’s threats and how termination would ensue otherwise. As expected, this did not leave influencers happy who publicized the act.
One leaked screengrab asks influencers if they agree to feature Pixel in place of any other rival gadget. This is followed up by a threat of discontinuing the relationship if the requirements specified are not met.
Today, users can choose from Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. These devices received all kinds of hardware improvements, a fresh look, and AI features. Now, Google is racing against time to save its image in the eyes of the public.
Google tried to justify the act by stating it is not up to the par in terms of phrasing the requirements. It also mentioned in the emailed statement how the goal was to provide more creators with Pixel phones and not rely on reviews from tech and the press. It agreed that it missed the mark and needed to revise the terminology in the form. Similarly, it has deleted the controversial and threatening claims made.
Read next: Research Shows AI Generated Images of Child Abuse are Highly in Demand on Dark Web
