Google sued for issuing 29,000 ads. Influencers praised smartphones they did not use

Google’s ads did not like the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and now the Silicon Valley giant will have to defend its case in court. For the issue of 29 thousand. commercials – which the FTC said misled people – the company could face a $9.4 million fine.

They praised smartphones in advertisements that they had never used

The Federal Trade Commission explains that Google and iHeartMedia (the largest American radio holding with over 850 stations) hired influencers (mainly music industry artists) to advertise the capabilities of Google Pixel 4 smartphones. 29 thousand times.

Google advertised in spots, among others. camera with Night Sight night mode in the Pixel 4 model. Influencers explained in them that they love to take perfect photos, and with the help of phones from the American manufacturer it is extremely simple and pleasant. They also talked about how they use Pixel 4 on a daily basis and how the Google Assistant helps them. You can listen to sample spots.

The FTC considered this a violation of the law, because – as he explains – the artists did not use Google Pixel 4 smartphones before or during the recording and broadcasting of the spots. Meanwhile, consumers usually pay great attention to the private opinions of famous people. The Commission therefore considered the advertisements “deceptive” and wants to impose penalties on both companies.

Google and iHeartMedia paid influencers to promote products they never used in a blatant disregard for truthful advertising [ang. truth-in-advertising – red.]

– said the director of the American agency Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

In the prepared settlement, the Federal Trade Commission and the attorney generals of seven US states are demanding that the companies pay a $9.4 million penalty each. The document also prohibits Google and iHeartMedia from similar practices in the future and requires reporting to the committee on the truthfulness of advertisements.

For now, it is not known whether the companies will agree to the terms of the FTC. According to Google, it paid $2.6 million to iHeartRadio to run the ads and another $2 million to eleven smaller radio stations.