Google and radio stations are fined over 1.3 billion yen as ``I broadcasted my impressions without actually using Google smartphones''

Google is developing a genuine smartphone 'Pixel series', and successive Pixel series have been reviewed by many media including GIGAZINE. However, regarding the `` Pixel 4 '' released by Google in 2019, ``A performer who has never used Pixel 4 in multiple radio programs read the ``manuscript prepared by Google'' and said, ``Impressions like actually using it. It turned out that it was extended to the act of 'statement'. In response to this issue, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has paid a fine of $ 9.4 million (about 1.3 billion yen) to Google and iHeart Media, a major media company, and `` Prohibition of false reports about device usage experience '' etc. is ordered.

Google LLC/iHeart Media: Complaint - 2023092GoogleiHeartComplaint.pdf
(PDF file) https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2023092GoogleiHeartComplaint.pdf

FTC, States Sue Google and iHeartMedia for Deceptive Ads Promoting the Pixel 4 Smartphone | Federal Trade Commission
https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/11/ftc-states-sue-google-iheartmedia-deceptive-ads-promoting-pixel-4-smartphone

AG Healey Reaches Resolutions With Google and iHeartMedia Over Misleading Radio Ads for Google Pixel 4 Phone | Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-healey-reaches-resolutions-with-google-and-iheartmedia-over-misleading-radio-ads-for-google-pixel-4-phone

Google LLC and iHeartMedia, Inc., In the Matter of | Federal Trade Commission
https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/2023092-google-llc-iheartmedia-inc-matter

According to the FTC report, Google paid 11 radio networks, including iHeart Media, to broadcast Pixel 4 promotions. At this time, Google has presented manuscripts that include content such as 'Pixel 4 can take studio-level photos' and 'Night view mode allows you to take great photos even in dark places', and many radio programs show that the manuscript is 'appeared'. It was read aloud as a person's personal impression. Listening to the following five sounds recorded by the FTC, you can see that different performers are talking about the same content.

・Example 1


・Example 2


・Example 3


・Example 4


・Example 5


According to the FTC, the performer who spoke about the above content had never owned a Pixel 4. The FTC said, ``Google pays influencers to promote products they have never used.This shows that Google disregards the rules of advertising. and expects fairness in radio programs,' he said, blaming Google for disguising his personal impressions.

Taking the above issues seriously, the FTC fined Google and iHeart Media a total of $9.4 million, and ordered them to 'prohibit misrepresentation of product experience' and submit regular compliance reports. increase.

A Google spokesperson said in an interview with overseas media The Verge, ``We take advertising laws seriously and have designed processes to comply with relevant regulations and industry standards.'' I'm here. Meanwhile, iHeart Media declined to comment.