Samsung accused of hiring students to criticize HTC

PanARMENIAN.Net - Samsung has been accused of hiring students to criticise rival HTC online. The Korean tech giant is under investigation by the Taiwanese Fair Trade Commission over allegations it paid interns to promote its products and post negative comments about the opposition.

The Commission launched the probe after receiving a complaint from HTC and trying to establish whether Samsung is guilty of false advertising, Digital Spy said citing AFP.

Samsung has responded to the controversy with a statement putting the incident down to an "unfortunate" misunderstanding. The firm also said it has ceased all marketing that involves the posting of anonymous comments.

"Samsung Electronics remains committed to engaging in transparent and honest communications with consumers as outlined in the company's Online Communications Credo," read a Samsung statement issued to CNET.

"We have encouraged all Samsung Electronics employees worldwide to remain faithful to our Credo. The recent incident was unfortunate, and occurred due to insufficient understanding of these fundamental principles.

"Samsung Electronics Taiwan (SET) has ceased all marketing activities that involve the posting of anonymous comments, and will ensure that all SET online marketing activities will be fully compliant with the company's Online Communications Credo.

"We regret any inconvenience this incident may have caused. We will continue to reinforce education and training for our employees to prevent any future recurrence."

Samsung and the local advertising agency that set up the campaign could face fines of up to $835,000 if found guilty of false advertising.