Google has found itself in the middle of another legal controversy.
The FTC has issued a new lawsuit against the search engine giant that spoke about how Google spent millions on deceptive ads for its Pixel 4. This comprised fake testimonials thanks to radio personalities.
Moreover, Google and iHeartMedia were seen paying influencers so much so that they would end up promoting the product, despite them never using it in the first place. And that just goes to show how much disrespect it had for the world of advertising and the policies set in place in this regard.
Today, the network has managed to reach out to nearly 245 million listeners every month. This includes both AM and FM and various other stations such as internet radio. As mentioned by a recent filing, Google paid a staggering $3 million to big radio companies like iHeartMedia and a little less to smaller radio platforms.
The subject of controversy here has to do with how various personalities mentioned on-air via endorsements and through the phone how great the product was without ever getting their hands on it. This might be in part due to Google's failure to provide the phones in time.
Influencers were provided with scripts thanks to Google that really highlighted so many great features such as low-light photography and another exciting new Google Assistant.
A lot of the scripted reviews had to do with Pixel 4 being so much more than simple pictures. Things such as how it can read up on the latest fads linked to health while asking directions for the next yoga class were also point worth mentioning. It’s like multitasking at its best.
Google says it did send out 5 units but the FTC claims that most of those promoting the product didn’t possess the Pixel 4 or make radio ads. And that’s despite the fact that the advertisement was aired around 29,000 times. And as one can imagine, it’s a huge violation of the FTC and affects commerce.
The FTC says that moving forward, it hopes to prevent Google from promoting such false reviews that misguides buyers and makes them excited for something that never existed in the first place. After all, it’s like you’re misrepresenting your own brand.
So now, we’re hearing of some major penalties coming Google’s way and this might not be what it’s looking forward to during such a time of economic uncertainty.
Read next: Google Says Nearly 60% Of The Internet Features Duplicate Content
The FTC has issued a new lawsuit against the search engine giant that spoke about how Google spent millions on deceptive ads for its Pixel 4. This comprised fake testimonials thanks to radio personalities.
Moreover, Google and iHeartMedia were seen paying influencers so much so that they would end up promoting the product, despite them never using it in the first place. And that just goes to show how much disrespect it had for the world of advertising and the policies set in place in this regard.
Today, the network has managed to reach out to nearly 245 million listeners every month. This includes both AM and FM and various other stations such as internet radio. As mentioned by a recent filing, Google paid a staggering $3 million to big radio companies like iHeartMedia and a little less to smaller radio platforms.
The subject of controversy here has to do with how various personalities mentioned on-air via endorsements and through the phone how great the product was without ever getting their hands on it. This might be in part due to Google's failure to provide the phones in time.
Influencers were provided with scripts thanks to Google that really highlighted so many great features such as low-light photography and another exciting new Google Assistant.
A lot of the scripted reviews had to do with Pixel 4 being so much more than simple pictures. Things such as how it can read up on the latest fads linked to health while asking directions for the next yoga class were also point worth mentioning. It’s like multitasking at its best.
Google says it did send out 5 units but the FTC claims that most of those promoting the product didn’t possess the Pixel 4 or make radio ads. And that’s despite the fact that the advertisement was aired around 29,000 times. And as one can imagine, it’s a huge violation of the FTC and affects commerce.
The FTC says that moving forward, it hopes to prevent Google from promoting such false reviews that misguides buyers and makes them excited for something that never existed in the first place. After all, it’s like you’re misrepresenting your own brand.
So now, we’re hearing of some major penalties coming Google’s way and this might not be what it’s looking forward to during such a time of economic uncertainty.
Read next: Google Says Nearly 60% Of The Internet Features Duplicate Content