Google Maps May Finally Crash Due to Review Bombings

I refuse to check out a new place without thoroughly researching its reviews on Google Maps. However, I always find it suspicious when a place has an unusually high number of extremely positive reviews. So I’m happy to see that Google Maps will now start flagging businesses with suspected fake reviews.

Mike Blumenthal I noticed the change (via Activate the gadget) And I took it to X. The screenshot he uploaded shows a warning sign on a carpet cleaning company’s Overview page that reads, “Suspicious fake reviews have recently been removed from this location.”

We haven’t received an official statement from Google about the change, but Search Engine Roundtable (via Activate the gadget) reports that Google recently updated review the restrictions document with this information.

In the document, Google states that it “takes ratings and reviews that are fake and/or offered for a benefit very seriously” and that “Businesses that violate its artificial engagement policy may be subject to restrictions.”

It outlines three examples of constraints it could potentially impose on organizations. In addition to removing fake reviews, this will result in the business being unable to receive new reviews for a certain period of time, existing reviews or ratings failing to be published for a certain period of time, or the business displaying a warning message notifying users of this. They stated that non-compliant reviews were removed. Google also says the restrictions are not limited to these three.

He adds that he will notify property owners by emailing them if a restriction is imposed on their business. However, it is also stated that companies may object to the restriction. Here. He is open to whatever context the company provides and can consider it to review his final decision.

The change could reduce the kind of politically motivated ‘review bombing’ that has recently affected Palestinian businesses in the US. Israel’s genocide in Palestine. Al Jazeera In addition to the story of Palestinian bakery and restaurant Reem’s, which was flooded with a fake star within a week of its opening, ridiculous criticisms such as “I went there, the food was terrible” were included when talking about the bakery’s products. It doesn’t even serve.

While I’ve always enjoyed (and am a little guilty of) special discounts at restaurants that give you an extra item when you leave a positive review on Google Maps, I’m glad this practice is over. While enjoyable for the consumer, I agree that this is an unhealthy and misleading way for restaurants to receive positive feedback.