Fake reviews don't go down well

Fake reviews are a growing problem, giving product listings undeserved credibility, misleading consumers, and manipulating search results.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is preparing to crack down on fakes and other less-than-100% honest online stores like Amazon, social media, and even online stores that companies manage for their products. opinions.

The FTC has now finalized its federal rules banning false opinions online, with the panel voting unanimously to adopt standards it has been working on for nearly two years. They will enter into force towards the end of the year. What do they cover?

Companies must not fabricate user profiles or mass generate opinions. The FTC specifically prohibits any type of AI-generated opinion.

Renting the opinions of genuine users is not allowed. "Bribery" covers all types of compensation, including direct payments, discounts and the like.

Opinions from people who work for or with the company that sells the particular product will not be allowed. Family members also fall into this category, but the exact rules have not yet been defined.

Companies can still host reviews on their pages, but they may not host review pages that do not disclose that they are owned by the company selling the products under review.

Companies must not attempt to remove negative reviews through "unfounded legal threats, physical threats, intimidation, or false public accusations."

The FTC has taken online scams seriously. Will the EU also prepare similar, harsh rules?

Cover image: Image by mamewmy on Freepik