Topic: Burson Marsteller

Facebook reportedly hired the PR firm Burson-Marsteller to recruit journalists and bloggers to write negative op-eds about Google's privacy policies. The scandal was exposed by Christopher Soghoian and Dan Lyons after they were approached with ghostwritten materials intended for placement in major publications like The Washington Post. The effort aimed to smear Google's social circles feature by highlighting data collection practices.

The global PR firm Burson-Marsteller is highlighted for its "Evidence-Based Communications" strategy, which involves using empirical research and paid studies to shape client messages. The firm was responsible for the "Earth Hour" campaign in India, utilizing Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan and pro bono media partnerships to manipulate public opinion. The strategy is described as a sophisticated method for manufacturing "hard facts" to support corporate and political agendas.