In a surprising turn of events, Google has admitted that it pressured social media influencers to prominently feature its latest smartphone, the Pixel 9. The admission comes after a leaked #TeamPixel form revealed the tech giant’s aggressive marketing tactics.

Google’s influencer program, known as Team Pixel, reportedly required participants to sign a form explicitly stating their preference for the Pixel 9. Failure to comply could result in termination of their relationship with the brand, the form further stated.

This revelation has sparked a debate about the ethics of influencer marketing, with many wondering whether most product recommendations on social media platforms are similarly coerced.

The leaked Team Pixel form reportedly contained language that left little room for interpretation. Influencers were told they were “expected to promote the Google Pixel device over all competitor mobile devices.” The form went on to state that “if it appears as though other brands are being favored over the Pixel, we must terminate the relationship between the brand and the creator.”