Fri, 24 Jan 2025

Clampdown on fake Google reviews announced

Businesses which boost their star ratings will have warnings attached to them - fake reviewers will be banned.

* Google has agreed to make significant changes to its processes to tackle fake reviews in the UK.
* The firm will attach warnings to businesses found to have artificially boosted their star rating.
* Worst offenders will have their review function deactivated, meaning they cannot receive new reviews.
* Individuals who repeatedly post fake or misleading reviews will be banned from posting on Google.
* Changes only relate to business reviews on Google and Google Maps, not product reviews.
* Consumer group Which? welcomes the changes but says enforcement action is needed.
* The CMA estimates £23bn of UK consumer spending every year is influenced by online reviews.
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