Bloggers rebel against restrictions on Pixel 9 reviews under Google’s Team Pixel program

Google has faced harsh criticism from bloggers and journalists for attempting to censor reviews of the new Pixel 9 smartphone. In the agreement for Team Pixel program participants who receive devices before the official release, a clause has appeared that prohibits comparing Pixel with competitors under the threat of exclusion from the program.

Image Source: Chris Welch/The Verge

Screenshots of the controversial clause of the agreement appeared on the social networks X (Twitter) and Threads. The document states that program participants must use a Google Pixel device instead of any competing mobile devices. It also notes that “if it is seen that preference is given to other brands rather than Pixel, we will have to terminate the relationship between the brand and the author.”

After the information was leaked online, Google removed the agreement form and tried to smooth over the situation. Google communications manager Kayla Geier told The Verge that “#TeamPixel is a separate program from our press and creator review programs. #TeamPixel’s goal is to get Pixel devices into the hands of content creators, not into the hands of the press and tech reviewers.”

However, according to many bloggers and journalists, there is no clear line between Team Pixel members and the official review program. Previously, Team Pixel included both regular users and professional reviewers, who received early access to devices in exchange for publishing materials on social networks.

Many content creators perceived the new conditions as an attack on freedom of speech and an attempt to manipulate public opinion. For example, the famous YouTube blogger Kevin Nether, author of the The Tech Ninja channel, said that he left the Team Pixel program due to the new rules. “I work with many brands, but the requirement to only use one product is unacceptable to me as I review technology for a living covering many brands. I can’t be pushed into a corner and only use one product,” he said.

For reference. Team Pixel is an invitation-only program for influential technology commentators and bloggers who are considered fans of the Google Pixel brand. People on Team Pixel typically use the hashtag #TeamPixel, as well as #Giftfromgoogle. The program is managed by the PR agency 1000heads, which also provides influencers with gadgets for review. Although Google has partnered with 1000heads, it does not operate the program directly, The Verge notes.