Current:Home > reviewsThe FTC is targeting fake customer reviews in a bid to help real-world shoppers -Wealth Pursuit Network
The FTC is targeting fake customer reviews in a bid to help real-world shoppers
View
Date:2025-04-13 19:57:34
Those of us who shop online may scan customer reviews to get a better sense of products we can't judge for ourselves at a brick-and-mortar store. We may check out online testimonials before booking a haircut or visiting a new restaurant.
But what happens if some of those reviews can't be trusted?
The Federal Trade Commission announced Friday that it's proposing new measures to crack down on fake reviews and other practices used to mislead consumers trying to educate themselves about a potential purchase.
The commission published a proposed rule that would prohibit companies from writing or selling fake reviews, buying positive reviews, illegally suppressing negative reviews and more.
"Our proposed rule on fake reviews shows that we're using all available means to attack deceptive advertising in the digital age," Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a statement.
"The rule would trigger civil penalties for violators and should help level the playing field for honest companies," Levine added.
Research shows people overwhelmingly consult online reviews before opening their wallet, but humans are also bad at telling which consumer reviews hold water and which are full of hot air.
That's potentially worrisome given that nearly one in every three reviews is fake, according to one estimate.
In arguing for the proposal, the FTC cited enforcement actions it had taken against companies that manipulated reviews of their products.
Last year, for example, the commission forced the online retailer Fashion Nova, LLC to pay $4.2 million to settle allegations that it blocked negative reviews from being posted to its website — the first FTC action involving a company's effort to hide negative reviews. For its part, Fashion Nova said in a statement to the New York Times that the FTC's allegations were "inaccurate" and that it only settled the charges to avoid "the distraction and legal fees."
The emergence of generative AI could also supercharge the proliferation of fake reviews across the internet, the FTC said.
Comments on the proposed rule have to be received within 60 days of its publication in the Federal Register, after which the FTC will decide whether to issue a final rule.
veryGood! (235)
Related
- Intellectuals vs. The Internet
- Oklahoma man made hundreds of ghost guns for Mexican cartel
- Google sued for negligence after man drove off collapsed bridge while following map directions
- Saudi crown prince says in rare interview ‘every day we get closer’ to normalization with Israel
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Malaria is on the ropes in Bangladesh. But the parasite is punching back
- Kari Lake’s 3rd trial to begin after unsuccessful lawsuit challenging her loss in governor’s race
- Kane Brown is headlining Summerfest 2024's opening night in Milwaukee
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Normal operations return to MGM Resorts 10 days after cyberattack, casino company says
Ranking
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Top US Air Force official in Mideast worries about possible Russia-Iran ‘cooperation and collusion’
- LA councilman who rebuffed Biden’s call to resign after racism scandal is running for reelection
- Woman, who jumped into outhouse toilet to retrieve lost Apple Watch, is rescued by police
- Nevada attorney general revives 2020 fake electors case
- Trump’s New York hush-money criminal trial could overlap with state’s presidential primary
- Russell Brand's assault, rape allegations being investigated: What his accusers say happened
- Pennsylvania state government will prepare to start using AI in its operations
Recommendation
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
California man accused of killing Los Angeles deputy pleads not guilty due to insanity
Teen rescued after getting stuck dangling 700 feet above river on California's tallest bridge
Senators weigh in on lack of dress code, with Susan Collins joking she'll wear a bikini
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Catch some ZZZs: How long does melatonin last? Here's what you should know.
Ray Epps, Trump supporter targeted by Jan. 6 conspiracy theory, pleads guilty to Capitol riot charge
11 votes separate Democratic candidates in South Carolina Senate special election