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Google has updated its Fake Engagement Policy, now allowing Google Maps users to identify business profiles with fake reviews.
If Google comes across a business profile containing fake reviews and ratings, it will take strict measures against that profile and remove those fake reviews and ratings.
Google has three main restrictions for business profiles that violate its Fake Engagement Policy:
- It will block the guilty business profile from receiving new reviews and ratings for a certain period.
- It will stop showing reviews and ratings posted on that profile for a specific duration.
- When customers visit the profile, Google will display a warning informing them that the business owner had used fake reviews, but Google has since removed them.
Google will email the business owner when these restrictions are applied. These measures were initially limited to businesses in the UK, but Google has now expanded them globally. However, no information is available on how Google determines whether a review is fake or genuine.
In the UK suspected review abuse can lead to a 30 day review ban pic.twitter.com/m2eMY5hFrp
— Mike Blumenthal (@mblumenthal) September 16, 2024
Implementing this strict policy is an important step for Google, as reviews and ratings on Google Maps are key factors customers should consider before visiting a business. With this policy in place, businesses will no longer be able to flood their profiles with fake positive reviews to attract customers.
Google is also allowing businesses to appeal its decision if they believe Google has incorrectly evaluated their profile. Business owners must prove they did not violate Google’s Fake Engagement Policy. Google will then review the case and decide if the restriction should be lifted.
