Google Promises Tougher Action On Fake Reviews After UK Probe

Google has pledged to implement stricter measures against fake online reviews, following an investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Kelvin Chan reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Google is introducing a user-friendly system to report suspicious reviews, including cases where payments or rewards are offered for positive feedback. I Photo: Google

The CMA revealed that Google will now delete reviews from individuals who repeatedly post fake or misleading content, banning them from submitting new reviews globally.

Businesses caught inflating their ratings artificially will face warning labels on their profiles, restrictions on posting new reviews, and potentially a deletion of all reviews from the past six months or more.

Additionally, Google is introducing a user-friendly system to report suspicious reviews, including cases where payments or rewards are offered for positive feedback.

CMA CEO Sarah Cardell praised the move, saying, "The changes we’ve secured from Google ensure robust processes are in place so people can have confidence in reviews and make the best possible choices. They also help create a level playing field for fair-dealing firms."