Current:Home > MyFastexy Exchange|The FTC is targeting fake customer reviews in a bid to help real-world shoppers -Wealth Evolution Experts
Fastexy Exchange|The FTC is targeting fake customer reviews in a bid to help real-world shoppers
SafeX Pro View
Date:2025-04-07 00:44:13
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 Fastexy Exchangevisiting 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! (65161)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Jessica Alba Stepping Down as Chief Creative Officer of the Honest Company
- Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery
- Kansas deputy fatally shoots woman holding a knife and scissors
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Tennessee Senate advances bill to arm teachers 1 year after deadly Nashville school shooting
- Washigton Huskies running back Tybo Rogers arrested, charged with two counts of rape
- Washigton Huskies running back Tybo Rogers arrested, charged with two counts of rape
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- The Best Air Purifiers for Spring and Summer Allergies
Ranking
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Oliver Hudson admits he was unfaithful to wife before marriage: 'I couldn't live with myself'
- USWNT wins SheBelieves Cup after penalty shootout vs. Canada
- This Is Not a Drill! Save Hundreds on Designer Bags From Michael Kors, Where You Can Score up to 87% Off
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- This Is Not a Drill! Save Hundreds on Designer Bags From Michael Kors, Where You Can Score up to 87% Off
- Pennsylvania makes a push to attract and approve carbon capture wells
- Lunchables have concerning levels of lead and sodium, Consumer Reports finds
Recommendation
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Drake Bell says he's 'reeling' from 'Quiet on Set' reaction, calls Hollywood 'dark cesspool'
Shake Shack appears to throw shade at Chick-fil-A with April chicken sandwich promotion
Drake Bell “Still Reeling” After Detailing Abuse in Quiet on Set Docuseries
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
Democrats pounce on Arizona abortion ruling and say it could help them in November’s election
California student, an outdoor enthusiast, dies in accident on trip to Big Sur
What causes nosebleeds? And why some people get them more than others.