Facebook Admits It Hired PR Firm to Smear Google

The social networking site had Burson plant negative stories

On Tuesday, USA Today reported that two reps for PR firm Burson-Marsteller were attempting to plant negative stories about Google, claiming that its Social Circle feature violates privacy and FTC rules. Burson’s client was a mystery, although some suspected Apple or Microsoft of the underhanded tactics. But The Daily Beast has just discovered that the company was, in fact, Facebook.

A Facebook spokesman, when confronted with evidence, confirmed to The Daily Beast that his company had secretly hired Burson.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in