FTC Bans Fake Reviews: A Major Move to Improve Online Trust

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In a major move to improve online trust, the FTC has finalized a rule banning fake reviews, including those made with AI. The new rule, which will start being enforced 60 days after it’s published, aims to make it easier for people to find reliable reviews, especially on merchants like Amazon and Yelp. The rule prohibits marketers from using deceptive practices, such as AI-generated reviews, censoring honest negative reviews, and compensating third parties for positive reviews. The maximum civil penalty for fake reviews is $51,744 per violation. This decision was the result of a 5-to-0 vote, and it’s a long-awaited step towards a more trustworthy online review system. **Are fake reviews ruining your online shopping experience? The FTC has got your back!

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