FTC Proposes New Rule to Ban Fake Online Reviews

July 5, 2023

Chase Binnie

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a new rule that would ban fake online reviews. The rule would prohibit companies from buying or selling fake reviews, suppressing negative reviews, and “review hijacking.” It would also bar company executives or insiders from leaving reviews of their products or services without disclosing their relationships.

The FTC has been cracking down on fake reviews in recent years, as they can deceive consumers and undercut honest businesses. The proposed rule is the FTC’s most aggressive step yet to combat review fraud.

The rule does not take effect immediately. There is a 60-day public comment period, and then the agency may reevaluate the rule based on the comments it receives. After some time, the FTC will vote on a final version of its proposal.


Here are some of the key points of the article:

  • The FTC has proposed a new rule that would ban fake online reviews.
  • The rule would prohibit companies from buying or selling fake reviews, suppressing negative reviews, and “review hijacking.”
  • It would also bar company executives or insiders from leaving reviews of their products or services without disclosing their relationships.
  • The rule does not take effect immediately. There is a 60-day public comment period, and then the agency may reevaluate the rule based on the comments it receives.
  • After some time, the FTC will vote on a final version of its proposal.

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