The U.S. Federal Trade Commission today announced a final rule that will combat fake reviews and testimonials by prohibiting their sale or purchase and allow the agency to seek civil penalties against knowing violators.

"Fake reviews not only waste people’s time and money, but also pollute the marketplace and divert business away from honest competitors,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. “By strengthening the FTC’s toolkit to fight deceptive advertising, the final rule will protect Americans from getting cheated, put businesses that unlawfully game the system on notice, and promote markets that are fair, honest, and competitive.”

  • FiveMacs
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    17 days ago

    100% chance companies will use this against YOU when you make a review that they don’t like. Be prepared for civil lawsuits for claiming a companies product is shit

    • Dudewitbow@lemmy.zip
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      17 days ago

      would they not have to have evidence that a review is fake? especially if you bought a product (e. g on amazon) its very easy to verify you have likely bought a product and have it in question to review.

    • explore_broaden@midwest.social
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      17 days ago

      The agency (FTC) can seek civil penalties, I do not see anywhere that companies could bring a lawsuit that they couldn’t before (libel?).